A310 MRTT vs Il-78 Midas
| European multirole tanker transport, with significant deployments in aerial refueling and strategic airlift operations. | |
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| 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. | |
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| 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 | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 163,998 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 113,999 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 27,306 kgf â—‰ |
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| 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 |
| Max. takeoff weight | 210,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 72,000 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 12,020 kgf â—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Photo of A310 MRTT by German Air Force.
Photo of Il-78 Midas by Konstantin Tyurpeko.
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 Il-78 Midas has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the A310 MRTT's 0 meters (0 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.