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 |
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.