Il-78 Midas vs S-2 Tracker
Overview
The Il-78 Midas and the S-2 Tracker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Ilyushin and Grumman respectively.
Top speed is 850 km/h for the Il-78 Midas vs 450 km/h for the S-2 Tracker. The Il-78 Midas has an operational range of 7,300 km vs 2,172 km for the S-2 Tracker. The Il-78 Midas operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 6,706 m for the S-2 Tracker. At 210,000 kg MTOW, the Il-78 Midas is 18:1 the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
The Il-78 Midas has been produced in 53 units vs 1,284 for the S-2 Tracker. The S-2 Tracker first flew 31 years before the Il-78 Midas (1952 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 carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, notably used in the Vietnam and Korean Wars. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| First flight | 4 November 1952 |
| Year introduced | 1954 |
| Number produced | 1284 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 | 45.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 22.2 m ◉ |
| Height | 5.4 m ◉ |
| Length | 13.3 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 450 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,172 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 6,706 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 11,860 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 8,308 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 569 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Il-78 Midas or S-2 Tracker?
The Il-78 Midas is faster with a maximum speed of 850 km/h compared to the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h, a difference of 400 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-78 Midas or S-2 Tracker?
The Il-78 Midas has a longer range at 7,300 km compared to the S-2 Tracker's 2,172 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-78 Midas or S-2 Tracker?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the S-2 Tracker's 6,706 meters (22,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-78 Midas or S-2 Tracker?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-78 Midas or S-2 Tracker?
The Il-78 Midas is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the S-2 Tracker's 13.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-78 Midas or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker entered service first in 1954, 30 years before the Il-78 Midas which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-78 Midas or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker has been produced in greater numbers with 1,284 units compared to 53 units of the Il-78 Midas.