A310 MRTT vs Il-78 Midas

European multirole tanker transport, with significant deployments in aerial refueling and strategic airlift operations.
Airbus A310 MRTT Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 1 December 2003
Year introduced 2004
Number produced 6 units
Average unit price $108 million
Soviet aerial refueling tanker, developed in the 1980s, widely involved in strategic, long-range force projection missions.
Ilyushin Il-78 Midas Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Ilyushin
First flight 26 June 1983
Year introduced 1984
Number produced 53 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 219.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 43.9 m â—‰
Height 15.8 m â—‰
Length 47.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 978 km/h â—‰
Operational range 8,889 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,497 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 163,998 kg â—‰
Empty weight 113,999 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 27,306 kgf â—‰
Wing area 300.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 50.5 m â—‰
Height 14.8 m â—‰
Length 46.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 850 km/h â—‰
Operational range 7,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 210,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 72,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 12,020 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A310 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 978 km/h compared to the Il-78 Midas's 850 km/h, a difference of 128 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A310 MRTT has a longer range at 8,889 km compared to the Il-78 Midas's 7,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A310 MRTT has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the Il-78 Midas's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the A310 MRTT's 163,998 kg.
Which is larger, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A310 MRTT is longer at 47.5 meters compared to the Il-78 Midas's 46.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas entered service first in 1984, 20 years before the A310 MRTT which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A310 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has been produced in greater numbers with 53 units compared to 6 units of the A310 MRTT.