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Il-38 May vs Tu-142

Overview

The Il-38 May and the Tu-142 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Ilyushin and Tupolev respectively.

Top speed is 650 km/h for the Il-38 May vs 925 km/h for the Tu-142. The Il-38 May has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 6,500 km for the Tu-142. The Tu-142 operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 11,000 m for the Il-38 May. At 185,000 kg MTOW, the Tu-142 is 2.8x the Il-38 May's 66,000 kg.

The Il-38 May has been produced in 58 units vs 100 for the Tu-142. The Il-38 May first flew 7 years before the Tu-142 (1961 vs 1968).

Soviet maritime patrol aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, primarily used for anti-submarine and maritime surveillance operations.
Ilyushin Il-38 May military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Ilyushin
First flight 27 September 1961
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 58 units
Average unit price --
Soviet/Russian maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, introduced in the late 20th century, operated by the Russian and Indian navies.
Tupolev Tu-142 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 18 June 1968
Year introduced 1972
Number produced 100 units
Average unit price --
Wing area 140.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 37.4 m â—‰
Height 10.2 m â—‰
Length 40.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 650 km/h â—‰
Operational range 7,500 km â—‰
Service ceiling 11,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 66,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 34,630 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 782 kW â—‰
Wing area 311.1 m² ◉
Wingspan 50.0 m â—‰
Height 12.1 m â—‰
Length 53.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 925 km/h â—‰
Operational range 6,500 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 185,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 90,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 2,758 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Il-38 May or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 is faster with a maximum speed of 925 km/h compared to the Il-38 May's 650 km/h, a difference of 275 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-38 May or Tu-142?
The Il-38 May has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the Tu-142's 6,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-38 May or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the Il-38 May's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-38 May or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 185,000 kg compared to the Il-38 May's 66,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-38 May or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 is longer at 53.1 meters compared to the Il-38 May's 40.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-38 May or Tu-142?
The Il-38 May entered service first in 1967, 5 years before the Tu-142 which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-38 May or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 has been produced in greater numbers with 100 units compared to 58 units of the Il-38 May.