A-50 Mainstay vs RC-135 Rivet Joint
Overview
The A-50 Mainstay and the RC-135 Rivet Joint are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Boeing respectively.
Top speed is 900 km/h for the A-50 Mainstay vs 933 km/h for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 5,552 km for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 15,240 m for the RC-135 Rivet Joint.
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 32 for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The RC-135 Rivet Joint first flew 6 years before the A-50 Mainstay (1972 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 reconnaissance aircraft, routinely deployed since the Cold War era, esteemed for its crucial surveillance roles worldwide. | |
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| 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 | -- |
| 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 | -- m² |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m ◉ |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | -- m |
| Maximum speed | 933 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,552 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | 56,245 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.