A-50 Mainstay vs E-3 Sentry AWACS
| 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 |
| American airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 9 February 1972 |
| Year introduced | 1977 |
| Number produced | 68 units |
| Average unit price | $270 million |
| Wing area | 300.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 50.6 m ◉ |
| Height | 14.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 46.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 900 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 7,500 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,500 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 190,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 61,000 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 3,000 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 283.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 44.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 12.6 m ◉ |
| Length | 46.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 853 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 7,400 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 10,668 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 147,417 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 83,915 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,438 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 853 km/h, a difference of 47 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 7,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 147,417 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 46.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-50 Mainstay or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The A-50 Mainstay is more expensive at approximately $300 million per unit compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS at $270 million.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS entered service first in 1977, 8 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.