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. | |
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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 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 | 850 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 12,000 kgf â—‰ |
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| Wing area | -- m² |
| Wingspan | -- m |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | -- m |
| Maximum speed | -- km/h |
| Operational range | -- km |
| Service ceiling | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 0 â—‰ |