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A-50 Mainstay vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

A-50 Mainstay vs RC-135 Rivet Joint at a glance — top speed 900 vs 933 km/h, range 7,500 vs 5,552 km, built 42 vs 32 units.

Beriev A-50 Mainstay military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-50 Mainstay
Specifications
A-50 Mainstay RC-135 Rivet Joint
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Boeing
First flight 19 December 1978 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1985 1961
Number produced 42 units 32 units
Average unit price $300 million --
Wing area 300.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 50.6 m 39.9 m
Height 14.8 m -- m
Length 46.6 m -- m
Maximum speed 900 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 7,500 km 5,552 km
Service ceiling 15,500 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 190,000 kg -- kg
Empty weight 61,000 kg 56,245 kg
Total thrust 4 x 12,000 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 900 km/h, a difference of 33 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 15,240 meters (50,000 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.