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A-50 Mainstay vs PA-32 Cherokee Six

Beriev A-50 Mainstay military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-50 Mainstay
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 PA-32 Cherokee Six
Change comparison vs
Specifications
A-50 Mainstay PA-32 Cherokee Six
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Piper
First flight 19 December 1978 14 January 1960
Year introduced 1985 1965
Number produced 42 units 7842 units
Average unit price $300 million --
Wing area 300.0 m² 15.0 m²
Wingspan 50.6 m 9.0 m
Height 14.8 m 2.2 m
Length 46.6 m 7.1 m
Maximum speed 900 km/h 228 km/h
Operational range 7,500 km 1,361 km
Service ceiling 15,500 m 4,359 m
Max. takeoff weight 190,000 kg 975 kg
Empty weight 61,000 kg 545 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,000 kgf 1 x 112 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-50 Mainstay and the PA-32 Cherokee Six are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Piper respectively.

The A-50 Mainstay reaches 900 km/h — 3.9x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 1,361 km for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 190,000 kg MTOW, the A-50 Mainstay is 195:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.

The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 7,842 for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The PA-32 Cherokee Six first flew 18 years before the A-50 Mainstay (1960 vs 1978).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 672 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six entered service first in 1965, 20 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.