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A-50 Mainstay vs Cirrus SR-20

Beriev A-50 Mainstay military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-50 Mainstay
Cirrus SR-20 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Cirrus SR-20
Change comparison vs
Specifications
A-50 Mainstay Cirrus SR-20
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Cirrus
First flight 19 December 1978 21 March 1995
Year introduced 1985 1999
Number produced 42 units 1459 units
Average unit price $300 million $630K
Wing area 300.0 m² 13.5 m²
Wingspan 50.6 m 11.7 m
Height 14.8 m 2.5 m
Length 46.6 m 8.0 m
Maximum speed 900 km/h 287 km/h
Operational range 7,500 km 1,450 km
Service ceiling 15,500 m 5,334 m
Max. takeoff weight 190,000 kg 1,383 kg
Empty weight 61,000 kg 943 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,000 kgf 1 x 149 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-50 Mainstay and the Cirrus 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 Cirrus SR-20's 287 km/h. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 1,450 km for the Cirrus SR-20. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 5,334 m for the Cirrus SR-20. At 190,000 kg MTOW, the A-50 Mainstay is 137:1 the Cirrus SR-20's 1,383 kg.

The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 1,459 for the Cirrus SR-20. Unit cost is $300M for the A-50 Mainstay vs $0.63M for the Cirrus SR-20. The A-50 Mainstay first flew 17 years before the Cirrus SR-20 (1978 vs 1995).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the Cirrus SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 613 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the Cirrus SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the Cirrus SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the Cirrus SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the Cirrus SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-50 Mainstay or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay is more expensive at approximately $300 million per unit compared to the Cirrus SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-50 Mainstay entered service first in 1985, 14 years before the Cirrus SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or Cirrus SR-20?
The Cirrus SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.