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A-50 Mainstay vs Il-76 Candid

A-50 Mainstay vs Il-76 Candid at a glance — top speed 900 vs 850 km/h, range 7,500 vs 5,000 km, max takeoff weight 190,000 vs 195,000 kg, built 42 vs 960 units.

Beriev A-50 Mainstay military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-50 MainstayFull specs
Ilyushin Il-76 Candid military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Il-76 CandidFull specs
Specifications
A-50 Mainstay Il-76 Candid
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Ilyushin
First flight 19 December 1978 25 March 1971
Year introduced 1985 1974
Number produced 42 units 960 units
Average unit price $300 million --
Wing area 300.0 m² 300.0 m²
Wingspan 50.6 m 50.5 m
Height 14.8 m 14.8 m
Length 46.6 m 46.6 m
Maximum speed 900 km/h 850 km/h
Operational range 7,500 km 5,000 km
Service ceiling 15,500 m 13,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 190,000 kg 195,000 kg
Empty weight 61,000 kg 92,500 kg
Total thrust 4 x 12,000 kgf 4 x 14,500 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or Il-76 Candid?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the Il-76 Candid's 850 km/h, a difference of 50 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or Il-76 Candid?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the Il-76 Candid's 5,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or Il-76 Candid?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the Il-76 Candid's 13,000 meters (42,650 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or Il-76 Candid?
The Il-76 Candid has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 195,000 kg compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 190,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or Il-76 Candid?
Both the A-50 Mainstay and Il-76 Candid are 46.6 meters long.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or Il-76 Candid?
The Il-76 Candid entered service first in 1974, 11 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or Il-76 Candid?
The Il-76 Candid has been produced in greater numbers with 960 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.