A-50 Mainstay vs S-2 Tracker
The A-50 Mainstay and the S-2 Tracker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Grumman respectively. The A-50 Mainstay reaches 900 km/h — 2.0x the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 2,172 km for the S-2 Tracker. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 6,706 m for the S-2 Tracker. At 190,000 kg MTOW, the A-50 Mainstay is 16:1 the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg. The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 1,284 for the S-2 Tracker. The S-2 Tracker first flew 26 years before the A-50 Mainstay (1952 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 carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, notably used in the Vietnam and Korean Wars. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| First flight | 4 November 1952 |
| Year introduced | 1954 |
| Number produced | 1284 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 ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,500 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 190,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 61,000 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 12,000 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 45.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 22.2 m ◉ |
| Height | 5.4 m ◉ |
| Length | 13.3 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 450 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,172 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 6,706 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 11,860 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 8,308 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 1,137 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or S-2 Tracker?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h, a difference of 450 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or S-2 Tracker?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the S-2 Tracker's 2,172 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or S-2 Tracker?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the S-2 Tracker's 6,706 meters (22,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or S-2 Tracker?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or S-2 Tracker?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the S-2 Tracker's 13.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker entered service first in 1954, 31 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker has been produced in greater numbers with 1,284 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.