Gannet vs Il-78 Midas

The Gannet and the Il-78 Midas are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Fairey and Ilyushin respectively. The Il-78 Midas reaches 850 km/h — 2.0x the Gannet's 417 km/h. The Gannet has an operational range of 1,127 km vs 7,300 km for the Il-78 Midas. The Il-78 Midas operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 7,700 m for the Gannet. At 210,000 kg MTOW, the Il-78 Midas is 19:1 the Gannet's 11,340 kg. The Gannet has been produced in 303 units vs 53 for the Il-78 Midas. The Gannet first flew 34 years before the Il-78 Midas (1949 vs 1983).

British carrier-borne aircraft, known for its Cold War anti-submarine and airborne early warning services.
Fairey Gannet Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Fairey
First flight 19 September 1949
Year introduced 1953
Number produced 303 units
Average unit price $2 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 44.9 m²
Wingspan 16.6 m
Height 5.1 m
Length 13.4 m
Maximum speed 417 km/h
Operational range 1,127 km
Service ceiling 7,700 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,340 kg
Empty weight 7,421 kg
Total thrust 1 x 2,890 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 3,005 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Gannet or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas is faster with a maximum speed of 850 km/h compared to the Gannet's 417 km/h, a difference of 433 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Gannet or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has a longer range at 7,300 km compared to the Gannet's 1,127 km.
Which can fly higher, the Gannet or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the Gannet's 7,700 meters (25,262 ft).
Which is heavier, the Gannet or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the Gannet's 11,340 kg.
Which is larger, the Gannet or Il-78 Midas?
The Il-78 Midas is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the Gannet's 13.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the Gannet or Il-78 Midas?
The Gannet entered service first in 1953, 31 years before the Il-78 Midas which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Gannet or Il-78 Midas?
The Gannet has been produced in greater numbers with 303 units compared to 53 units of the Il-78 Midas.