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A-50 Mainstay vs GlobalEye

Beriev A-50 Mainstay military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-50 Mainstay
Saab GlobalEye military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦🇸🇪 GlobalEye
Change comparison vs
Specifications
A-50 Mainstay GlobalEye
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia 🇨🇦 Canada🇸🇪 Sweden
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Saab
First flight 19 December 1978 14 March 2018
Year introduced 1985 2020
Number produced 42 units 5 units
Average unit price $300 million $350 million
Wing area 300.0 m² 94.9 m²
Wingspan 50.6 m 29.0 m
Height 14.8 m 7.8 m
Length 46.6 m 30.3 m
Maximum speed 900 km/h 1110 km/h
Operational range 7,500 km 11,000 km
Service ceiling 15,500 m 16,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 190,000 kg 45,100 kg
Empty weight 61,000 kg 23,690 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,000 kgf 2 x 3,345 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-50 Mainstay and the GlobalEye are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Saab respectively.

Top speed is 900 km/h for the A-50 Mainstay vs 1,110 km/h for the GlobalEye. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 11,000 km for the GlobalEye. The GlobalEye operates at altitudes up to 16,000 m compared to 15,500 m for the A-50 Mainstay. At 190,000 kg MTOW, the A-50 Mainstay is 4.2x the GlobalEye's 45,100 kg.

The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 5 for the GlobalEye. Unit cost is $300M for the A-50 Mainstay vs $350M for the GlobalEye. The A-50 Mainstay first flew 40 years before the GlobalEye (1978 vs 2018).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or GlobalEye?
The GlobalEye is faster with a maximum speed of 1,110 km/h compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 900 km/h, a difference of 210 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or GlobalEye?
The GlobalEye has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 7,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or GlobalEye?
The GlobalEye has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 15,500 meters (50,853 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or GlobalEye?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the GlobalEye's 45,100 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or GlobalEye?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the GlobalEye's 30.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-50 Mainstay or GlobalEye?
The GlobalEye is more expensive at approximately $350 million per unit compared to the A-50 Mainstay at $300 million.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or GlobalEye?
The A-50 Mainstay entered service first in 1985, 35 years before the GlobalEye which entered service in 2020.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or GlobalEye?
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in greater numbers with 42 units compared to 5 units of the GlobalEye.