A-50 Mainstay vs E-8 Joint STARS
Overview
The A-50 Mainstay and the E-8 Joint STARS are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Boeing/Northrop Grumman respectively.
Top speed is 900 km/h for the A-50 Mainstay vs 853 km/h for the E-8 Joint STARS. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 6,821 km for the E-8 Joint STARS. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 12,802 m for the E-8 Joint STARS.
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 17 for the E-8 Joint STARS. Unit cost is $300M for the A-50 Mainstay vs $250M for the E-8 Joint STARS. The A-50 Mainstay first flew 16 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1978 vs 1994).
| 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 command and control aircraft, instrumental during Persian Gulf War, primarily deployed for surveillance and ground-target tracking missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing/Northrop Grumman |
| First flight | 1 January 1994 |
| Year introduced | 1996 |
| Number produced | 17 units |
| Average unit price | $250 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 | 283.4 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 44.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 13.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 46.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 853 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 6,821 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 12,802 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 152,407 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 77,564 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,177 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 853 km/h, a difference of 47 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 6,821 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 12,802 meters (42,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 152,407 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS 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-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay is more expensive at approximately $300 million per unit compared to the E-8 Joint STARS at $250 million.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay entered service first in 1985, 11 years before the E-8 Joint STARS which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or E-8 Joint STARS?
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in greater numbers with 42 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.