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A-50 Mainstay vs Tu-126 Moss

A-50 Mainstay vs Tu-126 Moss at a glance — top speed 900 vs 790 km/h, range 7,500 vs 7,000 km, max takeoff weight 190,000 vs 171,000 kg, built 42 vs 9 units.

Beriev A-50 Mainstay military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-50 Mainstay
Tupolev Tu-126 Moss military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-126 Moss
Specifications
A-50 Mainstay Tu-126 Moss
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Tupolev
First flight 19 December 1978 23 January 1962
Year introduced 1985 1965
Number produced 42 units 9 units
Average unit price $300 million --
Wing area 300.0 m² 311.1 m²
Wingspan 50.6 m 51.4 m
Height 14.8 m 16.1 m
Length 46.6 m 56.5 m
Maximum speed 900 km/h 790 km/h
Operational range 7,500 km 7,000 km
Service ceiling 15,500 m 10,700 m
Max. takeoff weight 190,000 kg 171,000 kg
Empty weight 61,000 kg 103,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 12,000 kgf 4 x 11,033 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 790 km/h, a difference of 110 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The A-50 Mainstay has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 7,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 10,700 meters (35,104 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 171,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss is longer at 56.5 meters compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 46.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss entered service first in 1965, 20 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or Tu-126 Moss?
The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in greater numbers with 42 units compared to 9 units of the Tu-126 Moss.