Il-78 Midas vs PA-32 Cherokee Six
Overview
The Il-78 Midas and the PA-32 Cherokee Six are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Ilyushin and Piper respectively.
The Il-78 Midas reaches 850 km/h — 3.7x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The Il-78 Midas has an operational range of 7,300 km vs 1,361 km for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The Il-78 Midas operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 210,000 kg MTOW, the Il-78 Midas is 215:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
The Il-78 Midas has been produced in 53 units vs 7,842 for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The PA-32 Cherokee Six first flew 23 years before the Il-78 Midas (1960 vs 1983).
| Soviet aerial refueling tanker, developed in the 1980s, widely involved in strategic, long-range force projection missions. | |
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| 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 | -- |
| American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Piper |
| First flight | 14 January 1960 |
| Year introduced | 1965 |
| Number produced | 7842 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| 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 ◉ |
| Wing area | 15.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 9.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.2 m ◉ |
| Length | 7.1 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 228 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,361 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,359 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 975 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 545 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 112 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Il-78 Midas or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The Il-78 Midas is faster with a maximum speed of 850 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 622 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-78 Midas or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The Il-78 Midas has a longer range at 7,300 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-78 Midas or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-78 Midas or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-78 Midas or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The Il-78 Midas is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-78 Midas or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six entered service first in 1965, 19 years before the Il-78 Midas which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-78 Midas or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 53 units of the Il-78 Midas.