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A-50 Mainstay vs E-8 Joint STARS

Beriev A-50 Mainstay military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-50 Mainstay
Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-8 Joint STARS
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Specifications
A-50 Mainstay E-8 Joint STARS
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Northrop Grumman
First flight 19 December 1978 1 January 1994
Year introduced 1985 1996
Number produced 42 units 17 units
Average unit price $300 million $250 million
Wing area 300.0 m² 283.4 m²
Wingspan 50.6 m 44.4 m
Height 14.8 m 13.0 m
Length 46.6 m 46.6 m
Maximum speed 900 km/h 853 km/h
Operational range 7,500 km 6,821 km
Service ceiling 15,500 m 12,802 m
Max. takeoff weight 190,000 kg 152,407 kg
Empty weight 61,000 kg 77,564 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,000 kgf 4 x 2,177 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-50 Mainstay and the E-8 Joint STARS are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Northrop Grumman respectively.

Top speed is 900 km/h for the A-50 Mainstay vs 853 km/h for the E-8 Joint STARS. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 6,821 km for the E-8 Joint STARS. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 12,802 m for the E-8 Joint STARS.

The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 17 for the E-8 Joint STARS. Unit cost is $300M for the A-50 Mainstay vs $250M for the E-8 Joint STARS. The A-50 Mainstay first flew 16 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1978 vs 1994).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 853 km/h, a difference of 47 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 6,821 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 12,802 meters (42,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 152,407 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 46.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay is more expensive at approximately $300 million per unit compared to the E-8 Joint STARS at $250 million.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay entered service first in 1985, 11 years before the E-8 Joint STARS which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in greater numbers with 42 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.