A-50 Mainstay vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

Russian airborne early warning and control aircraft, developed during the Cold War to extend radar coverage and coordinate air operations across vast distances.
Picture of A-50 Mainstay
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 reconnaissance aircraft, routinely deployed since the Cold War era, esteemed for its crucial surveillance roles worldwide.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 32 units
Average unit price $-- million
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 â—‰
Service ceiling 15,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 190,000 kg
Empty weight 61,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 12,000 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Beriev A-50 Mainstay
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan -- m
Height -- m
Length -- m
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range 5,552 km â—‰
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 0 â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 km/h, a difference of 900 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 5,552 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 24 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in greater numbers with 42 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.