A-50 Mainstay vs Tu-126 Moss
Overview
The A-50 Mainstay and the Tu-126 Moss are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Tupolev respectively.
Top speed is 900 km/h for the A-50 Mainstay vs 790 km/h for the Tu-126 Moss. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 7,000 km for the Tu-126 Moss. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 10,700 m for the Tu-126 Moss.
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 9 for the Tu-126 Moss. The Tu-126 Moss first flew 16 years before the A-50 Mainstay (1962 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 |
| Soviet airborne early warning and control aircraft, developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, operated during the Cold War from 1965 to 1984. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Tupolev |
| First flight | 23 January 1962 |
| Year introduced | 1965 |
| Number produced | 9 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| Wing area | 300.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 50.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 14.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 46.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 900 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,500 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,500 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 190,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 61,000 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 3,000 kgf â—‰ |
| Wing area | 311.1 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 51.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 16.1 m â—‰ |
| Length | 56.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 790 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,000 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 10,700 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 171,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 103,000 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,758 kW â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 790 km/h, a difference of 110 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 7,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 10,700 meters (35,104 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 171,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss is longer at 56.5 meters compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 46.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss entered service first in 1965, 20 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in greater numbers with 42 units compared to 9 units of the Tu-126 Moss.