Il-78 Midas vs SR-20

The Il-78 Midas and the SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Ilyushin and Cirrus respectively. The Il-78 Midas reaches 850 km/h — 3.0x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The Il-78 Midas has an operational range of 7,300 km vs 1,450 km for the SR-20. The Il-78 Midas operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 210,000 kg MTOW, the Il-78 Midas is 152:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg. The Il-78 Midas has been produced in 53 units vs 1,459 for the SR-20. The Il-78 Midas first flew 12 years before the SR-20 (1983 vs 1995).

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 civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training.
Cirrus SR-20 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Cirrus
First flight 21 March 1995
Year introduced 1999
Number produced 1459 units
Average unit price $0.6 million
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 12,020 kgf
Wing area 13.5 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 2.5 m
Length 8.0 m
Maximum speed 287 km/h
Operational range 1,450 km
Service ceiling 5,334 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,383 kg
Empty weight 943 kg
Total thrust 1 x 149 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Il-78 Midas or SR-20?
The Il-78 Midas is faster with a maximum speed of 850 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 563 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-78 Midas or SR-20?
The Il-78 Midas has a longer range at 7,300 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-78 Midas or SR-20?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-78 Midas or SR-20?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-78 Midas or SR-20?
The Il-78 Midas is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-78 Midas or SR-20?
The Il-78 Midas entered service first in 1984, 15 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-78 Midas or SR-20?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 53 units of the Il-78 Midas.