A330 MRTT vs Il-78 Midas

The A330 MRTT is a Military Transport Aircraft built by Airbus, while the Il-78 Midas is a Military Special Mission Aircraft by Ilyushin. Top speed is 880 km/h for the A330 MRTT vs 850 km/h for the Il-78 Midas. The A330 MRTT has an operational range of 14,800 km vs 7,300 km for the Il-78 Midas. The A330 MRTT operates at altitudes up to 13,000 m compared to 12,000 m for the Il-78 Midas. The A330 MRTT has been produced in 66 units vs 53 for the Il-78 Midas. The Il-78 Midas first flew 33 years before the A330 MRTT (1983 vs 2016).

European aerial refueling and military transport aircraft, developed in the early 21st century, extensively used for global logistics and in-flight refueling operations.
Airbus A330 MRTT Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 30 September 2016
Year introduced 2011
Number produced 66 units
Average unit price $275 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 --
Wing area 362.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 60.3 m â—‰
Height 17.4 m â—‰
Length 58.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 880 km/h â—‰
Operational range 14,800 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 233,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 125,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 320 kN 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 A330 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A330 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 880 km/h compared to the Il-78 Midas's 850 km/h, a difference of 30 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A330 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A330 MRTT has a longer range at 14,800 km compared to the Il-78 Midas's 7,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the A330 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A330 MRTT has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the Il-78 Midas's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the A330 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A330 MRTT has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 233,000 kg compared to the Il-78 Midas's 210,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A330 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A330 MRTT is longer at 58.8 meters compared to the Il-78 Midas's 46.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the A330 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas entered service first in 1984, 27 years before the A330 MRTT which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A330 MRTT or Il-78 Midas?
The A330 MRTT has been produced in greater numbers with 66 units compared to 53 units of the Il-78 Midas.