A-50 Mainstay vs PA-32 Cherokee Six
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).
| 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 light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Piper |
| First flight | 14 January 1960 |
| Year introduced | 1965 |
| Number produced | 7842 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| Wing area | 300.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 50.6 m ◉ |
| Height | 14.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 46.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 900 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 7,500 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,500 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 190,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 61,000 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 3,000 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 15.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 9.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.2 m ◉ |
| Length | 7.1 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 228 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,361 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,359 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 975 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 545 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 112 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.