A-50 Mainstay vs DHC-2 Beaver
The A-50 Mainstay and the DHC-2 Beaver are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and De Havilland Canada respectively. The A-50 Mainstay reaches 900 km/h — 3.5x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 732 km for the DHC-2 Beaver. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 1,657 for the DHC-2 Beaver. Unit cost is $300M for the A-50 Mainstay vs $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 31 years before the A-50 Mainstay (1947 vs 1978).
| Russian airborne early warning and control aircraft, developed during the Cold War to extend radar coverage and coordinate air operations across vast distances. | |
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| Origin country | 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Beriev |
| First flight | 19 December 1978 |
| Year introduced | 1985 |
| Number produced | 42 units |
| Average unit price | $300 million |
| Canadian utility aircraft, renowned for bush flying since the mid-20th century, widely deployed for civilian and military operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇦 Canada |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | De Havilland Canada |
| First flight | 16 August 1947 |
| Year introduced | 1948 |
| Number produced | 1657 units |
| Average unit price | $0.4 million |
| Wing area | 300.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 50.6 m ◉ |
| Height | 14.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 46.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 900 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 7,500 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,500 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 190,000 kg |
| Empty weight | 61,000 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 12,000 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 23.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 15.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 9.2 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 254 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 732 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 5,486 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | 1,361 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 336 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or DHC-2 Beaver?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 646 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or DHC-2 Beaver?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or DHC-2 Beaver?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or DHC-2 Beaver?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or DHC-2 Beaver?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-50 Mainstay or DHC-2 Beaver?
The A-50 Mainstay is more expensive at approximately $300 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or DHC-2 Beaver?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 37 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or DHC-2 Beaver?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.