A-50 Mainstay vs King Air 90
The A-50 Mainstay and the King Air 90 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Beechcraft respectively. Top speed is 900 km/h for the A-50 Mainstay vs 494 km/h for the King Air 90. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 2,446 km for the King Air 90. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 7,574 m for the King Air 90. At 190,000 kg MTOW, the A-50 Mainstay is 36:1 the King Air 90's 5,352 kg. The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 3,100 for the King Air 90. The King Air 90 first flew 14 years before the A-50 Mainstay (1964 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. | |
|
|
| 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 twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft |
| First flight | 1 January 1964 |
| Year introduced | 1964 |
| Number produced | 3100 units |
| Average unit price | $-- 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 12,000 kgf â—‰ |
| Wing area | 26.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 13.8 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.7 m â—‰ |
| Length | 11.9 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 494 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 2,446 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 7,574 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 5,352 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 3,217 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 626 kW â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or King Air 90?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the King Air 90's 494 km/h, a difference of 406 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or King Air 90?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the King Air 90's 2,446 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or King Air 90?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the King Air 90's 7,574 meters (24,849 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or King Air 90?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the King Air 90's 5,352 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or King Air 90?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the King Air 90's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 entered service first in 1964, 21 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 has been produced in greater numbers with 3,100 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.