A-50 Mainstay vs KJ-500
Overview
The A-50 Mainstay and the KJ-500 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Shaanxi respectively.
Top speed is 900 km/h for the A-50 Mainstay vs 550 km/h for the KJ-500. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 5,700 km for the KJ-500. At 190,000 kg MTOW, the A-50 Mainstay is 2.5x the KJ-500's 77,000 kg.
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 60 for the KJ-500.
| 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 |
| Chinese third-generation airborne early warning and control aircraft, developed in the late 2000s, deployed by the Chinese military for aerial surveillance and command. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Shaanxi |
| First flight | -- |
| Year introduced | 2018 |
| Number produced | 60 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| Wing area | 300.0 m² |
| Wingspan | 50.6 m |
| Height | 14.8 m |
| Length | 46.6 m |
| 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 | -- m² |
| Wingspan | -- m |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | -- m |
| Maximum speed | 550 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 5,700 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 77,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 0 â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or KJ-500?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the KJ-500's 550 km/h, a difference of 350 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or KJ-500?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the KJ-500's 5,700 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or KJ-500?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the KJ-500's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or KJ-500?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the KJ-500's 77,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or KJ-500?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the KJ-500's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or KJ-500?
The A-50 Mainstay entered service first in 1985, 33 years before the KJ-500 which entered service in 2018.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or KJ-500?
The KJ-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 60 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.