A-50 Mainstay vs 340 AEW&C

Russian airborne early warning and control aircraft, developed during the Cold War to extend radar coverage and coordinate air operations across vast distances.
Picture of A-50 Mainstay
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
Swedish twin-engine airborne early warning and control platform produced since late 1990s.
Picture of 340 AEW&C
Origin country 🇸🇪 Sweden
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Saab
First flight 1 January 1994
Year introduced 1997
Number produced 12 units
Average unit price $-- million
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 â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 190,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 61,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 12,000 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Beriev A-50 Mainstay
Wing area 42.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 21.4 m â—‰
Height 7.0 m â—‰
Length 20.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 522 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,155 kg â—‰
Empty weight 10,300 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,390 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Saab 340 AEW&C

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of 340 AEW&C by Gnolam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or 340 AEW&C?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the 340 AEW&C's 522 km/h, a difference of 378 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or 340 AEW&C?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the 340 AEW&C's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or 340 AEW&C?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the 340 AEW&C's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or 340 AEW&C?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the 340 AEW&C's 13,155 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or 340 AEW&C?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the 340 AEW&C's 20.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or 340 AEW&C?
The A-50 Mainstay entered service first in 1985, 12 years before the 340 AEW&C which entered service in 1997.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or 340 AEW&C?
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in greater numbers with 42 units compared to 12 units of the 340 AEW&C.