A-50 Mainstay vs KC-135 Stratotanker
The A-50 Mainstay and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 900 km/h for the A-50 Mainstay vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 15,240 m for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $300M for the A-50 Mainstay vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 22 years before the A-50 Mainstay (1956 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 |
| American refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 31 August 1956 |
| Year introduced | 1957 |
| Number produced | 803 units |
| Average unit price | $39 million |
| Wing area | 300.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 50.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 14.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 46.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 900 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,500 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,500 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 190,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 61,000 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 3,000 kgf â—‰ |
| Wing area | 226.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m â—‰ |
| Height | 12.7 m â—‰ |
| Length | 41.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 933 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 2,400 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 146,283 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 44,663 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,453 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 900 km/h, a difference of 33 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-50 Mainstay or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A-50 Mainstay is more expensive at approximately $300 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 28 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.