A-50 Mainstay vs SR-20
The A-50 Mainstay and the SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Cirrus respectively. The A-50 Mainstay reaches 900 km/h — 3.1x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 1,450 km for the SR-20. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 190,000 kg MTOW, the A-50 Mainstay is 137:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg. The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 1,459 for the SR-20. Unit cost is $300M for the A-50 Mainstay vs $0.63M for the SR-20. The A-50 Mainstay first flew 17 years before the SR-20 (1978 vs 1995).
| 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 civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Cirrus |
| First flight | 21 March 1995 |
| Year introduced | 1999 |
| Number produced | 1459 units |
| Average unit price | $0.6 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 | 13.5 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 11.7 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.5 m ◉ |
| Length | 8.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 287 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,450 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 5,334 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,383 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 943 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 149 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 613 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-50 Mainstay or SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay is more expensive at approximately $300 million per unit compared to the SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay entered service first in 1985, 14 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or SR-20?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.