A-50 Mainstay vs Ka-31
Overview
The A-50 Mainstay is a Military Special Mission Aircraft built by Beriev, while the Ka-31 is a Military Helicopters by Kamov.
The A-50 Mainstay reaches 900 km/h — 3.6x the Ka-31's 250 km/h. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 600 km for the Ka-31. At 190,000 kg MTOW, the A-50 Mainstay is 15:1 the Ka-31's 12,500 kg.
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 28 for the Ka-31. The A-50 Mainstay first flew 9 years before the Ka-31 (1978 vs 1987).
| Russian airborne early warning and control aircraft, developed during the Cold War to extend radar coverage and coordinate air operations across vast distances. | |
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| Origin country | 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Beriev |
| First flight | 19 December 1978 |
| Year introduced | 1985 |
| Number produced | 42 units |
| Average unit price | $300 million |
| Soviet naval airborne early warning and control helicopter, developed in the late 1980s, deployed in naval operations by Russia, China, and India. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Manufacturer | Kamov |
| First flight | 1 January 1987 |
| Year introduced | 1995 |
| Number produced | 28 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| Wing area | 300.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 50.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 14.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 46.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 900 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,500 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,500 m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 190,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 61,000 kg |
| Total thrust | 4 x 3,000 kgf â—‰ |
| Wing area | 397.2 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 15.9 m â—‰ |
| Height | 5.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 12.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 600 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 12,500 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 2 x 932 kW â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or Ka-31?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the Ka-31's 250 km/h, a difference of 650 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or Ka-31?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the Ka-31's 600 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or Ka-31?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the Ka-31's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or Ka-31?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the Ka-31's 12,500 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or Ka-31?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the Ka-31's 12.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or Ka-31?
The A-50 Mainstay entered service first in 1985, 10 years before the Ka-31 which entered service in 1995.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or Ka-31?
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in greater numbers with 42 units compared to 28 units of the Ka-31.