Il-78 Midas vs King Air 90

The Il-78 Midas and the King Air 90 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Ilyushin and Beechcraft respectively. Top speed is 850 km/h for the Il-78 Midas vs 494 km/h for the King Air 90. The Il-78 Midas has an operational range of 7,300 km vs 2,446 km for the King Air 90. The Il-78 Midas operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 7,574 m for the King Air 90. At 210,000 kg MTOW, the Il-78 Midas is 39:1 the King Air 90's 5,352 kg. The Il-78 Midas has been produced in 53 units vs 3,100 for the King Air 90. The King Air 90 first flew 19 years before the Il-78 Midas (1964 vs 1983).

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
American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
Beechcraft King Air 90 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft
First flight 1 January 1964
Year introduced 1964
Number produced 3100 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 300.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 50.5 m â—‰
Height 14.8 m â—‰
Length 46.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 850 km/h â—‰
Operational range 7,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 210,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 72,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 12,020 kgf â—‰
Wing area 26.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.8 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 11.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 494 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,446 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,574 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,352 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,217 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 626 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Il-78 Midas or King Air 90?
The Il-78 Midas is faster with a maximum speed of 850 km/h compared to the King Air 90's 494 km/h, a difference of 356 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-78 Midas or King Air 90?
The Il-78 Midas has a longer range at 7,300 km compared to the King Air 90's 2,446 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-78 Midas or King Air 90?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the King Air 90's 7,574 meters (24,849 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-78 Midas or King Air 90?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the King Air 90's 5,352 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-78 Midas or King Air 90?
The Il-78 Midas is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the King Air 90's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-78 Midas or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 entered service first in 1964, 20 years before the Il-78 Midas which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-78 Midas or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 has been produced in greater numbers with 3,100 units compared to 53 units of the Il-78 Midas.