DHC-2 Beaver vs Il-78 Midas

The DHC-2 Beaver and the Il-78 Midas are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Ilyushin respectively. The Il-78 Midas reaches 850 km/h — 3.3x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 7,300 km for the Il-78 Midas. The Il-78 Midas operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 53 for the Il-78 Midas. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 36 years before the Il-78 Midas (1947 vs 1983).

Canadian utility aircraft, renowned for bush flying since the mid-20th century, widely deployed for civilian and military operations.
De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 16 August 1947
Year introduced 1948
Number produced 1657 units
Average unit price $0.4 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 23.0 m²
Wingspan 15.0 m
Height 2.7 m
Length 9.2 m
Maximum speed 254 km/h
Operational range 732 km
Service ceiling 5,486 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight 1,361 kg
Total thrust 1 x 336 kW
Wing area 300.0 m²
Wingspan 50.5 m
Height 14.8 m
Length 46.6 m
Maximum speed 850 km/h
Operational range 7,300 km
Service ceiling 12,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 210,000 kg
Empty weight 72,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 12,020 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas is faster with a maximum speed of 850 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 596 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has a longer range at 7,300 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or Il-78 Midas?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 36 years before the Il-78 Midas which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or Il-78 Midas?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 53 units of the Il-78 Midas.