The A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C) was developed and manufactured by the Beriev Aircraft Research and Engineering Complex Joint Stock Company based at Taganrog in the Rostov Region of Russia. The A-50 aircraft was developed from the llyushin Il-76MD military transport aircraft manufactured by the Ilyushin Aviation Complex Joint Stock Company based in Moscow.
The aircraft is known in the West by the Nato codename Mainstay. Beriev aircraft normally carry the Russian designation Be- followed by the number, however, the A-50 aircraft retained the well-known A-designation which Beriev allocated to the original prototype.
The A-50 entered service with the Russian Air Force in 1984. Currently, 16 aircraft are operational in the Russian Air Force. The service life of the Russian AF A-50s has been upgraded to 2020. The overhauled A-50M Mainstay aircraft began official testing on 10 September 2008.
The modernised A-50 aircraft can now take more fuel on board with the same take-off weight, while increasing the range and mission time performance. A satellite navigation system integrated into flight and navigation complex offers a dramatic increase in the navigational accuracy.
The A-50 entered service with the Russian Air Force in 1984, and is thought to have 16 aircraft still in service. The latest version, the A-50U was shown in 1995. Russian AF A-50s are being upgraded to extend their service life to 2020. The upgraded aircraft entered service in 2008.
The A-50 aircraft detects and identifies airborne objects, determines their coordinates and flight path data and transfers the information to command posts. The A-50 also acts as a control centre, guiding fighter-interceptors and tactical air force aircraft to combat areas in order to attack ground targets at low altitudes. The role of the A-50 is comparable to that of the US's E-3 AEW system developed by Boeing.
India selected three A-50EI / Il-76 variants equipped with Phalcon AEW radar systems in 2001. Elta of Israel provided the AEW radar systems. A contract for the sale was signed in March 2004. The AEW aircraft which was expected to be delivered to the Indian Air Force in 2007-2008 was delayed and finally the first AEW aircraft was delivered on 28 May 2009. The second AEW aircraft is expected to be delivered by early 2010 and the third aircraft in 2011. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) purchases the aircraft from Ilyushin and TAPC.
China also ordered four A-50/A-50M/U aircraft from Russia.
General characteristics
The aircraft is known in the West by the Nato codename Mainstay. Beriev aircraft normally carry the Russian designation Be- followed by the number, however, the A-50 aircraft retained the well-known A-designation which Beriev allocated to the original prototype.
The A-50 entered service with the Russian Air Force in 1984. Currently, 16 aircraft are operational in the Russian Air Force. The service life of the Russian AF A-50s has been upgraded to 2020. The overhauled A-50M Mainstay aircraft began official testing on 10 September 2008.
The modernised A-50 aircraft can now take more fuel on board with the same take-off weight, while increasing the range and mission time performance. A satellite navigation system integrated into flight and navigation complex offers a dramatic increase in the navigational accuracy.
The A-50 entered service with the Russian Air Force in 1984, and is thought to have 16 aircraft still in service. The latest version, the A-50U was shown in 1995. Russian AF A-50s are being upgraded to extend their service life to 2020. The upgraded aircraft entered service in 2008.
The A-50 aircraft detects and identifies airborne objects, determines their coordinates and flight path data and transfers the information to command posts. The A-50 also acts as a control centre, guiding fighter-interceptors and tactical air force aircraft to combat areas in order to attack ground targets at low altitudes. The role of the A-50 is comparable to that of the US's E-3 AEW system developed by Boeing.
India selected three A-50EI / Il-76 variants equipped with Phalcon AEW radar systems in 2001. Elta of Israel provided the AEW radar systems. A contract for the sale was signed in March 2004. The AEW aircraft which was expected to be delivered to the Indian Air Force in 2007-2008 was delayed and finally the first AEW aircraft was delivered on 28 May 2009. The second AEW aircraft is expected to be delivered by early 2010 and the third aircraft in 2011. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) purchases the aircraft from Ilyushin and TAPC.
China also ordered four A-50/A-50M/U aircraft from Russia.
General characteristics
- Crew: 15
- Length: 49.59m (152 ft 8 in)
- Wingspan: 50.50 m (165 ft 6 in)
- Height: 14.76 m (48 ft 5 in)
- Wing area: 300 m² (3,228 ft²)
- Empty weight: 75,000 kg (165,347 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 170,000 kg (374,786 lb)
- Powerplant: 4 × Aviadvigatel PS-90A turbofan, 157 kN (35,200 lbf) each
- Maximum speed: 900 km/h (559 mph)
- Range: 6,400 km (3,977 mi)
- Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,371 ft)
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