Beriev A-50#Variants
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Short description|Soviet airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft}}
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = A-50
| image = File:Airborne early warning and control aircraft A-50U (Red 41).jpg
| caption = 41 Taganrog, registration number RF-94268, a Beriev A-50U
| type = Airborne early warning and control
| manufacturer = Beriev
| designer =
| retired =
| produced = 1978–1992{{Clarify|date=February 2024|reason=What about the variants produced later?}}
| number_built = ~40{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}
| status = In service
| primary_user = Russian Aerospace Forces
| more_users = Indian Air Force
| developed_from = Ilyushin Il-76
| developed_into = Beriev A-100
| variants =
}}
The Beriev A-50 (NATO reporting name: Mainstay) is a Soviet-origin airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft that is based on the Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane. Developed to replace the Tupolev Tu-126 "Moss", the A-50 first flew in 1978. Its existence was revealed to the Western Bloc in 1978 by Adolf Tolkachev.{{cite book | title = The Billion Dollar Spy: A True Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal | date = May 2016 | first1 = David E. | last1 = Hoffman | author-link1 = David E. Hoffman | chapter = Epilogue {{!}} A Note On The Intelligence | chapter-url = https://archive.org/details/billiondollarspy0000hoff_i3h2/page/524/ | chapter-url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/billiondollarspy0000hoff_i3h2/ | url-access = registration | edition = First | publisher = Doubleday | publication-place = New York City | pages = 525–532 | quote-page = 530 | isbn = 978-0-385-53760-5 | lccn = 2015003370 | oclc = 906798006 | ol = OL27183902M | via = Internet Archive | quote = In another intelligence windfall, Tolkachev was the first to alert the United States that the Soviet Union was starting to develop an advanced airborne warning and control system, or AWACS, a flying radar station. Once Tolkachev pointed it out, U.S. spy satellites confirmed it. The twenty-ton radar, named SHMEL, or "bumblebee," would be carried on a modified Ilyushin Il-76 military transport jet, with a flying disk for the radar dome, not unlike the advanced U.S. E-3 Sentry system, based on a modified Boeing 707, which was already flying. | df = dmy-all}} It entered service in 1985, with about 40 produced by 1992.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}
Design and development
=A-50=
The mission personnel of the 15-man crew derive data from the large Liana surveillance radar with its antenna in an over-fuselage rotodome, which has a diameter of {{convert|9|m|ft|}}{{cn|date=March 2023}} Detection range is {{convert|650|km|mi nmi}} for air targets and {{convert|300|km|mi nmi}} for ground targets.{{Cite web |author= |url= http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2017/march/3337-russian-air-force-takes-delivery-of-fourth-upgraded-a-50u-aew-c-aircraft.html |title= Russian Air Force takes delivery of fourth upgraded A-50U AEW&C aircraft |work= Air Recognition |access-date= 8 September 2023 |language= en |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170312032911/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2017/march/3337-russian-air-force-takes-delivery-of-fourth-upgraded-a-50u-aew-c-aircraft.html |archive-date= 12 March 2017 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}
The A-50 can control{{clarification needed |reason=fully unmanned or just radio comms?|date=February 2024}} up to ten fighter aircraft for either air-to-air intercept or air-to-ground attack missions. The A-50 can fly for four hours with a range of {{convert|1000|km|mi nmi}} from its base, at a maximum takeoff weight of {{convert|190|MT|lb||}}. The aircraft can be refuelled by Il-78 tankers.{{cn|date=January 2024}}
The radar "Vega-M" is designed by MNIIP, Moscow, and produced by NPO Vega. The "Vega-M" can track up to 150 targets simultaneously within {{convert|230|km|mi nmi}}. Large targets, like surface ships, can be tracked at a distance of {{convert|400|km|mi nmi}}.{{Cite web |date= 29 March 2017 |url=http://vpk-news.ru/news/35909 |trans-title= Video of the newest "flying radar" A-50U |script-title= ru:Видео новейшего "летающего радара" А-50У |script-work= ru:Военно-промышленный курьер |trans-work= Military Industrial Courier |language=ru |access-date= 7 September 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170331030044/http://vpk-news.ru/news/35909 |archive-date=31 March 2017 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all}}
=A-50U=
Development work on a modernized version, the A-50U, began in 2003; state tests started on 10 September 2008, using a Russian Air Force A-50 "37 Red" as a prototype. It replaces analog avionics with a new digital avionics suite, made by NPO Vega, that speeds data processing and improves signal tracking and target detection. Crew rest, toilet and galley facilities are also included in the upgrade.{{cite magazine | title = Beriev delivers first upgraded A-50U Mainstay | magazine = Air Forces Monthly | date = January 2012 | language = en-gb | issue = 286 | pages = 28 | issn = 0955-7091 | df = dmy-all}}
After completing the joint state tests, Beriev delivered the first A-50U to the Russian Air Force. The aircraft, "47 Red", RF-92957, was handed over at Beriev's facility in Taganrog on 31 October 2011.{{cite web | first1 = Dave | last1 = Allport | date = 1 November 2011 | url = http://www.key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=4331&thisSection=military | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120611011945/http://www.key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=4331&thisSection=military | archive-date = 11 June 2012 | url-status = dead | title = Russian Air Force Takes Delivery of first Upgraded A-50U Mainstay AEW&C; Aircraft | work = Key.Aero | publisher = Key Publishing | access-date = 9 September 2023 | quote = AFTER COMPLETION of State Joint Tests, Beriev has now delivered the first upgraded A-50U Mainstay airborne early warning and control (AEW&C;) aircraft to the Russian Air Force. The aircraft was handed-over at Beriev’s facility in Taganrog on October 31 to an Air Force crew prior to being flown out to its operational base. | df = dmy-all}} It was accepted by an aircrew serving with the 2457th Aviation Base for Combat Operation of Airborne Early Warning Aircraft (Aviabaza Boevogo Primeneniya Samolyotov Dal'nego Radiolokatsionnogo Obnaruzheniya) at Ivanovo Severny, which is the only base using the A-50 operationally (it operates 16 aircraft). The fourth A-50U, "41 Taganrog", was delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces on 7 March 2017. The fifth A-50U, "45 Red", was delivered on 6 December 2018. Eight A-50U aircraft have been delivered {{as of|2023|9|lc=on}}.{{Cite news | first1 = Sergei | last1 = Fadeichev | url = https://tass.com/defense/1382183|title = Defense contractor delivers upgraded A-50U long-range 'flying radar' to Russian troops | work = TASS | date = 29 December 2021 | language = en | access-date = 7 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230322184847/https://tass.com/defense/1382183 | archive-date = 22 March 2023 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}{{cite web | url=https://tass.com/defense/1678869 | title=Russia's Aerospace Force obtains another A-50U early warning and control aircraft }}
The A-50U upgrade forms the basis of the concept for Beriev A-100 AEW&C. Its configuration will be similar, but with a new Vega Premier active electronically scanned array radar.
It has been announced by Rostec that production of the A-50U will restart in 2024. However, it is likely that production resumption will be delayed for a few years.{{cite web |title=Rostec Wants to Resume Production of A‑50U AEW&C Systems But New Aircraft Won't Be Ready Any Soon, History Shows |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/rostec_wants_to_resume_production_of_a_50u_aewc_systems_but_new_aircraft_wont_be_ready_any_soon_history_shows-9703.html |website=defense-ua.com |publisher=Defense Express |access-date=3 March 2024}}
Operational history
= In peacetime =
The aircraft entered service with the 67th Independent Aviation Squadron, Long-Range Airborne Surveillance (67 OAE DRLO) (в/ч 32457) in 1984 at Šiauliai in Lithuanian SSR.{{cite journal | title = Beriev A-50 | journal = Jane's All the World's Aircraft | date = February 2001 | page = 351 | issn = 0075-3017 | df = dmy-all}} The unit was redesignated the 144th Independent Regiment DRLO, (в/ч 89449) and then later moved to Pechora Kamenka (often referred to as "Berezovka") in 1998.
There was a detachment (two A-50s and one Il-76) as part of the 192nd Guards Kerch Red Banner Military Transport Aviation Regiment (в/ч 26212), Ukurey Airfield Chita Oblast in Russia from 1985 to 1995. It was formed at the Ulan-Ude (Vostochny) airfield in 1985, and flew to Ukurei in 1988. It was disbanded in 1995 and aircraft transferred to the 144th Independent Regiment. The 18th Independent Aviation Detachment DRLO (two A-50s and 1 Il-76) was established at the Vitebsk-Severny airfield from 1985. In 1993, the detachment was disestablished.
Two aircraft "operated round-the-clock over [the] Black Sea during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm of the Gulf War (1990–1991), monitoring United States Air Force operations from Turkey and keeping a watch for "stray" cruise missiles."{{r|Janes_200102|page=351}}
= Syrian Civil War =
In late December 2015, the A-50 started operations over Syria, flying from Russia, to support Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War.{{Cite journal|last=Ripley|first=Tim|title=Russia operates 'Mainstay' AEW&Cs over Syria|journal=Jane's Defence Weekly|volume=53|issue=10|date=13 January 2016|publisher=Jane's Information Group|location=Surrey, UK|issn=0265-3818}}
= Russo-Ukrainian War =
In December 2018, it was deployed to Crimea.{{Cite news | first1 = Tim | last1 = Ripley | location = London | first2 = Mark | last2 = Cazalet | work = Jane's Defence Weekly | date = 12 December 2018 | url = https://www.janes.com/article/85175/russia-reinforces-crimea | title = Russia reinforces Crimea | access-date = 8 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181213162829/https://www.janes.com/article/85175/russia-reinforces-crimea | archive-date = 13 December 2018 | issn = 0265-3818 | oclc = 613908494 | quote = Russia has launched a drive to reinforce its air and land forces deployed on the contested Crimea peninsula, according to open source monitoring and satellite imagery. [...] Open source tracking also indicates that the VKS has deployed A-50 airborne early warning radar aircraft to Saki Air Base on the western coast of Crimea. An A-50 of the 144th Airborne Early Warning Aviation Regiment, the VKS's only unit to operate the aircraft, was tracked flying from its home base at Ivanovo to Saki on 7 December. | via = Jane's 360 | df = dmy-all }}
{{external media
| float = right
| caption =
| headerimage= File:YouTube 2024.svg
| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr03rPsPN00 ⚡️ А-50 — Дыверсія на відэа — Мачулішчы. Новыя кадры з дрона — гэта ўжо не выведка (A-50 — Sabotage on video — Machulishchi. New footage from a drone is no longer intelligence)], retrieved 9 September 2023
}}
On 26 February 2023, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Association of Security Forces of Belarus (BYPOL), a partisan group, reported that it had conducted a drone attack and damaged a Russian A-50 at the Machulishchy air base near Minsk, Belarus.{{r|Roth_20230227|quote=BYPOL, the Belarusian partisan organisation, said it had used drones to strike the Machulishchy airfield 12km from Minsk, severely damaging a Beriev A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft (Awacs).}} The attacked base also hosts MiG-31 fighters used to attack Ukraine.{{Cite news | first1 = Andrew | last1 = Roth | first2 = Peter | last2 = Beaumont | author-link2 = Peter Beaumont (journalist) | date = 27 February 2023 | title = Belarus partisans say they blew up Russian plane near Minsk | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/27/belarus-anti-war-partisans-russian-plane-drones-machulishchy-damage-claim | language = en-gb | access-date = 8 September 2023 | work = The Guardian | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230821160344/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/27/belarus-anti-war-partisans-russian-plane-drones-machulishchy-damage-claim | archive-date = 21 August 2023 | url-status = live | issn = 0261-3077 | eissn = 1756-3224 | oclc = 60623878 | quote = What is concerning for Moscow is that the airbase has also been hosting at least one MIG-31 interceptor, which is capable of carrying a nuclear capable hypersonic missile, aircraft whose launches have been responsible of a number of recent air alarms in Ukraine. | df = dmy-all }}{{cite news | author = | date = 26 February 2023 | title = Opposition group: Russian aircraft damaged by explosions in Belarus | url = https://kyivindependent.com/news-feed/explosions-reported-at-belarusian-airfield | language = en | access-date = 8 September 2023 | work = The Kyiv Independent | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230610114357/https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-at-belarusian-airfield/ | archive-date = 10 June 2023 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}{{Cite news | last1 = Tyschenko | first1 = Kateryna | date = 26 February 2023 | title = Belarusian partisans sabotaged in Machulishchy | url = https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/02/26/7391117/ | access-date = 8 September 2023 | work = Ukrainska Pravda | language = en | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230413024300/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/02/26/7391117/ | archive-date = 13 April 2023 | url-status = live | oclc = 1066371688 | df = dmy-all}} However, satellite imagery of the Machulishchy air base from 28 February showed no significant damage to the sole A-50 located there.{{cite web | last1 = Rogoway | first1 = Tyler | date = 28 February 2023 | url = https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/first-image-of-russian-a-50-radar-jet-after-claimed-attack-in-belarus | title = Russian A-50 Radar Jet Intact After Claimed Drone Attack In Belarus | work = thedrive.com | access-date = 9 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230511152030/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/first-image-of-russian-a-50-radar-jet-after-claimed-attack-in-belarus | archive-date = 11 May 2023 | url-status = live | quote = The image, taken this morning on February 28, 2023, shows the A-50 Mainstay airborne early warning and control aircraft that was supposedly attacked still largely intact on the flightline at the base. | df = dmy-all}} The drone operators posted a video of a practice run of the alleged A-50U bombing on YouTube on 2 March 2023, which shows the drone flying into Machulishchy unopposed, then landing on the A-50's rotodome. On 3 March 2023, the drone operators posted a second video showing a drone landing on the domed area on top of the fuselage just forward of the wings followed by a loss of video signal claimed to be due to the actual explosion.
On 17 November 2023, the British Defence Ministry believes that it is "likely" Russian forces are updating their A-50 early warning aircraft in anticipation of the West supplying modern fighter jets such as the F-16. The aircraft may also be integrated with the ground based S-400 missile systems.{{Cite news |date= 17 November 2023 |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-using-new-technology-to-spot-adversary-aircraft/7359262.html |title= Russia Using New Technology to Spot Adversary Aircraft|work=Voice of America|access-date= 18 November 2023 }}{{Cite news |date= 17 November 2023 |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_conflict_war_2022/breaking_news_russia_deploys_a-50_aewc_aircraft_for_enhanced_s-400_sa-21_missile_guidance_in_ukraine.html |title= BREAKING NEWS: Russia Uses A-50 AEW&C Aircraft for Enhanced S-400 SA-21 Missile Guidance in Ukraine|work=Army Recognition|access-date= 18 November 2023 }}{{Cite news |date= 17 November 2023 |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/news/the_uk_defense_intelligence_russia_is_concerned_about_the_prospect_of_ukraine_deploying_combat_aircraft_provided_by_the_west-8588.html |title= The UK Defense Intelligence: russia, Alarmed by Ukraine's Hosting of Western-Supplied Combat Aircraft, Initiates Use of the A-50 MAINSTAY D|work=Defence Express|access-date= 18 November 2023 }}{{Cite news |date= 17 November 2023 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/russia-worried-future-f-16-093044826.html|publisher=Yahoo! News |title= Russia worried about future F-16 supplies to Ukraine and already bracing for it – UK intelligence|work=Ukrainska Pravda|access-date= 18 November 2023 }}
Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down an A-50 over the Sea of Azov on 14 January 2024 while it was on duty in the Kyrylivka area. The A-50 reportedly disappeared from radar and stopped responding to requests from tactical aviation. Later several Western and Ukrainian sources reported that the pilot of a Su-30 aircraft of the Russian Air Force detected the fire and crash of an unidentified aircraft in the area, presumably the A-50.{{Cite web |title=ВСУ сбили над Азовским морем российский самолет-разведчик А-50 |url=https://meduza.io/news/2024/01/15/ukrainskie-smi-utverzhdayut-chto-vsu-sbili-nad-azovskim-morem-rossiyskiy-samolet-razvedchik-a-50 |access-date=15 January 2024 |website=Meduza |lang=ru}}{{Cite web |last=Picheta |first=Rob |date=15 January 2024 |title=Ukraine claims it destroyed Russian spy plane in attack over Sea of Azov |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/15/europe/ukraine-claims-destroyed-russian-aircraft-intl/index.html |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Lowe |first1=Yohannes |last2=Hall |first2=Rachel |last3=Lowe (now) |first3=Yohannes |last4=Hall (earlier) |first4=Rachel |date=15 January 2024 |title=Russia-Ukraine war live: Ukraine says it has shot down Russian spy plane; UK to send 20,000 troops to Nato military exercise |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jan/15/russia-ukraine-war-live-latest-news-updates |access-date=16 January 2024 |work=the Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Forbes journalist David Axe cited one analyst who claimed that Ukrainian Air Force first disabled Russian radars across Crimea, causing the Russians to reestablish radar coverage there by moving their A-50 north to near Berdyansk thus within range of a Ukrainian SAM battery. This claimed downing of an A-50 was further claimed to leave the Russian air force with just two serviceable A-50s.{{cite news|url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/01/16/ukrainian-crews-set-a-complex-missile-trap-for-russias-best-radar-plane/ |website= forbes.com |title= Ukrainian Crews Set A Complex Missile Trap For Russia's Best Radar Plane |first= David |last= Axe |date= 16 January 2024 |access-date= 17 January 2024}} {{Asof|2024|1|15}}, the Kremlin had neither confirmed nor denied the downing of an A-50.{{cite news|url= https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-russia-war-plane-shot-down-a50-il22/ |website= politico.eu |title= Ukraine shoots down Russian A-50 surveillance plane and IL-22 command aircraft |first= Veronika |last= Melkozerova |date=15 January 2024 |access-date=17 January 2024}} Open source analysts later identified that the aircraft lost was A-50U "37 red" of the 610th Center for Combat Use and Retraining of Military Transport Aviation Flight Personnel (610th CBP i PLS), based at Ivanovo Severny.{{cite web|url= https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/349902 |website= aviationsafety.net |title= ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 349902 |access-date=31 March 2024}} A U.S. Army officer later confirmed that this A-50 was shot down by a Ukrainian operated Patriot air defense system.https://www.twz.com/land/u-s-army-officer-confirms-russian-a-50-radar-jet-was-shot-down-with-patriot-missile
On 23 February 2024, Ukrainian official sources claimed the downing of a second A-50U aircraft, over Krasnodar Krai, at 18:44 Ukraine local time.{{cite news |date=23 February 2024 |title=В ВСУ утверждают, что сбили российский самолет А-50 над Азовским морем. Российские «военкоры» пишут, что причиной крушения стал дружественный огонь |url=https://meduza.io/news/2024/02/23/v-vsu-utverzhdayut-chto-sbili-rossiyskiy-samolet-a-50-nad-azovskim-morem-rossiyskie-voenkory-pishut-chto-prichinoy-krusheniya-stal-druzhestvennyy-ogon |access-date=23 February 2024 |website=meduza.io}}{{Cite web |date=2024-02-23 |title=Air Force: Ukraine shoots down another Russian A-50 aircraft over Azov Sea |url=https://kyivindependent.com/russian-a50-plane-shot-down-over-azov-sea-military-says/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=The Kyiv Independent |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=Incredibly, The Russian Air Force Has Lost Another Rare A-50 Radar Plane |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/02/23/incredibly-the-russian-air-force-has-lost-another-one-of-its-rare-a-50-radar-planes/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Official |first1=N/A |title=Повідомлення Мінус А-50У ― ГУР та Повітряні Сили збили черговий літак рф |url=https://gur.gov.ua/content/minus-a-50u-hur-ta-povitriani-syly-zbyly-cherhovyi-litak-rf.html |website=Головне управління розвідки Міністерства оборони України (Message: Minus A-50U..) |publisher=Defense intelligence of Ukraine |access-date=23 February 2024}} Ukrainian language.
Ukrainian armed forces claim to have used a long-range S-200 system to shoot down the A-50 in the evening of 23 February over the Sea of Azov. According to Ukrainian sources, 10 Russians were killed on the plane, including five majors.{{cite web|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/02/23/7443442/|title=Russian A-50 was downed with S-200 anti-aircraft system|author1=Roman Kravets|author2=Alona Mazurenko|date=February 23, 2024|website=Ukrainska Pravda}}{{cite web |url=https://t.me/r_combatfootage/32676 |title=Another angle of the attack and crash of the Russian A-50 AWACS plane. (Unfortunately with a huge watermark.) |date=23 February 2024 |access-date=25 February 2024}}[https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/02/24/7443493/ 10 Russians, including 5 majors, killed in downed A-50 aircraft – Ukrainska Pravda sources] The aircraft was later identified as A-50U "42 red" of the 610th CBP i PLS.{{cite web|url= https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/351939 |website= aviationsafety.net |title= ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 351939 |access-date=31 March 2024}} Kyrylo Budanov claimed, as of February 2024, Russia had six operational A-50s.{{cite web|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/02/25/7443616/|title=Russia will be forced to stop round-the-clock duty of A-50 planes if another one is lost – Chief of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence|author=Roman Petrenko|date=February 25, 2024|website=Ukrainska Pravda}}
Also, the Taganrog Beriev Aviation Scientific and Technical Complex where the A-50 are repaired suffered damage overnight from March 8-March 9, 2024, possibly from a Ukrainian drone strike.{{cite web|url= https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/satellite-images-reveal-damage-at-taganrog-plant-after-drone-strike-on-a-50-repair-site/ar-BB1jEfPu?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=750a422bd9774702a8e810186bcdb248&ei=29 |title=Satellite images reveal damage at Taganrog plant after drone strike on A-50 repair site |publisher=The New Voice of Ukraine (accessed on MSN.com)|accessdate=March 10, 2024}}
Variants
File:Beriev A-50EI Mainstay2009.jpg A-50EI]]
- A-50 – Original variant
- A-50M – Updated{{when|date=January 2024}} variant of the A-50 fitted with mid-air refueling.{{cn|date=March 2023}} Equipped with Shemel-2 radars.{{Cite web |date=December 2011 |title=Worldwide Equipment Guide – Volume 2: Airspace and Air Defense Systems |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1117055.pdf |publisher=United States Army Training and Doctrine Command |page=3-44 |via=Defense Technical Information Center}}
- A-50U – (Mainstay-B) Updated{{when|date=January 2024}} variant of the A-50M with modern electronics and increased crew comfort{{cite web | last1 = Bryansky | first1 = Max | date = March 2009 | url = https://www.airliners.net/photo/Russia-Air-Force/Beriev-A-50U/2000140/L | title = Aviation Photo #2000140 {{!}} Beriev A-50U - Russia - Air Force | work = Airliners.net | access-date = 3 September 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221016092908/https://www.airliners.net/photo/Russia-Air-Force/Beriev-A-50U/2000140/L | archive-date = 16 October 2022 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all}}{{Cite web | first1 = Greg | last1 = Waldron | date = 30 December 2018 | url = https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-russia-continues-a-50-aewc-upgrade-work-454709/ | title = Russia continues A-50 AEW&C upgrade work | work = FlightGlobal | access-date = 1 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190101150022/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-russia-continues-a-50-aewc-upgrade-work-454709/ | archive-date = 1 January 2019 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }} Has Shemel-M radar.
- llyushin/Beriyev ‘Aircraft 676’{{cite book|first1=Yefim | last1 = Gordon | author-link1 = Yefim Gordon | first2 = Dmitriy | last2 = Komissarov | first3 = Sergey | last3 = Komissarov | date = 10 March 2005 | url = https://archive.org/details/okb-ilyushin/ | url-access = registration | title = OKB Ilyushin: A History of the Design Bureau and its Aircraft |publication-place=Hinckley, England | publisher = Midland Publishing Ltd. | isbn = 978-1-85780-187-3 | lccn = 2007531537 | oclc = 56539257 | ol = 9001242M | via = Internet Archive | df = dmy-all}}{{rp|pages=[https://archive.org/details/okb-ilyushin/page/n152/mode/1up 302{{mdash}}305]|quote=First, two Candid-Bs - IL-76 ''sans suffixe' CCCP-86721 (c/n 073410271, f/n 0708) and IL-76M CCCP-86024 (c/n 083414425, f/n 1107) — were converted into almost identical telemetry pick-up aircraft known as ‘aircraft 676’ and ‘aircraft 776’ respectively}}{{nbsp}}–{{nbsp}}A single stop-gap telemetry and tracking aircraft
- llyushin/Beriyev ‘Aircraft 776{{r|name="Gordon, Yefim 2004"|pages=[https://archive.org/details/okb-ilyushin/page/n152/mode/1up 302{{mdash}}305]|quote=First, two Candid-Bs - IL-76 ''sans suffixe' CCCP-86721 (c/n 073410271, f/n 0708) and IL-76M CCCP-86024 (c/n 083414425, f/n 1107) — were converted into almost identical telemetry pick-up aircraft known as ‘aircraft 676’ and ‘aircraft 776’ respectively}}{{nbsp}}–{{nbsp}}A single stop-gap telemetry and tracking aircraft
- llyushin/Beriyev ‘Aircraft 976' (SKIP){{r|name="Gordon, Yefim 2004"|pages=[https://archive.org/details/okb-ilyushin/page/n152/mode/1up 302{{mdash}}305]|quote=Five new IL-76MDs built in 1986-87 were converted to ‘aircraft 976’ standard. Despite their near-military role they wore Aeroflot colours and were registered CCCP-76452 (c/n 0063465965, f/n 5002), CCCP-76453 (c/n 0063466995, f/n 5009), CCCP-76454 (c/n 0063469074, f/n 5209), CCCP-76455 (c/n 0063471125, f/n 5402) and CCCP-76456 (c/n 0073474208, f/n 5602); three out of five aircraft still have the old Soviet prefix and flag as of this writing. The only deviation from the standard Aeroflot colour scheme is that the nose titles read ‘976’ instead of ‘IL-76MD’ and the flag is carried higher on the tail than usual.}}{{nbsp}}–{{nbsp}}(Airborne Check-Measure-and-Control Center) – Il-76-based Range Control and Missile tracking platform initially built to support Raduga Kh-55 cruise missile tests
- Izdeliye 1076'{{r|name="Gordon, Yefim 2004"|pages=[https://archive.org/details/okb-ilyushin/page/n153/mode/1up 305{{mdash}}309]|quote=There have been reports of an unidentified special mission version of the IL-76 designated izdeliye 1076. No information is available except that the prototype is c/n 1033410351 (f/n 8408).}}{{nbsp}}–{{nbsp}}A single special-mission aircraft with unknown duties
- A-50EI – A 2000s export version for the Indian Air Force with Aviadvigatel PS-90A-76 engines and Israeli EL/W-2090 radar{{cite web | url = http://en.take-off.ru/news/102-feb2011/570-a50ei-10-2010 | work = Take-off Magazine | title = Beriev delivered third A-50EI | language = en | access-date = 8 September 2023 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121125/http://en.take-off.ru/news/102-feb2011/570-a50ei-10-2010 | archive-date = 2 April 2015 | quote = The third A-50EI airborne warning and control aircraft serialled KW3553 built by Beriev company for the Indian Air Force (IAF) under a trilateral contract was ferried from Taganrog to Israel on 8 October 2010 for ELTA to fit it with the MSA radar system. | df = dmy-all}}
Operators
; {{IND}}
- Indian Air Force – 3 in service, 2 on order.{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/2024-world-air-forces-directory/156008.article|title=World Air Forces 2024|date=2024-01-01|access-date=2024-01-25}}
- Agra Air force Station, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- No. 50 Squadron
; {{PRK}}
- Korean People's Army Air Force – 1 in service{{cite web|url=https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/north_koreas_new_aewc_aircraft_outperforms_russias_a_50_and_a_50u-13984.html|title=en.defence-ua.com|date=2025-03-28}}
; {{RUS}}
- Russian Aerospace Forces{{cite report | author = | url = https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=75345 | title = World Air Forces 2021 | publisher = FlightGlobal | date = 2021 | format = pdf | access-date = 9 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230427183824/https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=75345 | archive-date = 27 April 2023 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}
- 2457th Aviation Base (Ivanovo Severny)
- 144th Independent Regiment Long-Range Airborne Surveillance
=Former operators=
;{{USSR}}
- Soviet Air Defence Forces (1984–1992)
- 144th Independent Regiment Long-Range Airborne Surveillance
; {{RUS}}
- Russian Air Defence Forces (1992–1998)
Specifications (A-50E)
File:Beriev A-50 3-view line drawing.png
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=[https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1117055.pdf Worldwide Equipment Guide – Volume 2: Airspace and Air Defense Systems], United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, p. 3-44
|prime units?=met
|crew=5 (2 pilots, 3 other flight crew) + 10 mission operators
|length m=46.6
|length note=
|span m=50.6
|span note=
|height m=14.8
|height note=
|wing area sqm=300
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=
|airfoil=root: TsAGI P-151 (13%); tip: TsAGI P-151 (10%){{cite web | last1 = Lednicer | first1 = David | date = 4 June 2023 | title = The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage | url = https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html | website = Aeromechanical Solutions LLC | access-date = 9 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230729182602/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html | archive-date = 29 July 2023 | url-status = live | quote = Ilyushin Il-76 {{!}} TsAGI P-151 (13%) {{!}} TsAGI P-151 (10%) | df = dmy-all}}
|empty weight kg=61000
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=170000 or 190000
|max takeoff weight note=based on if the A-50 is based on the Il-76M (170,000 kg) or Il-76MD (190,000 kg)
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
|eng1 number=4
|eng1 name=Soloviev D-30KP
|eng1 type=turbofan engines
|eng1 kn=117.68
|eng1 note=
|max speed kmh=850
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=
|cruise speed kmh=750-800
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=7500
|range note=
|combat range km=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=4 hours with internal fuel and maximum payload
|ceiling m=15500
|ceiling note=
|g limits=
|roll rate=
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|thrust/weight=
|more performance=
|avionics=
|eng1 lbf=26445|armament=* Guns: 2 x {{cvt|23|mm|in|3}} GSh-23 autocannons at the base of the rudder|guns=}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
=Ukrainian government references=
{{Reflist|group=UA government website}}
Further reading
{{refbegin}}
- {{cite book | last1 = Gordon | first1 = Yefim | author-link1 = Yefim Gordon | last2 = Kommisarov | first2 = Dmitriy | date = 19 July 2015 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=YHyuCAAAQBAJ | title = Il'yushin/Beriyev A-50: The 'Soviet Sentry' | series = FlightCraft | volume = 6 | publisher = Pen and Sword Books | language = en | access-date = 8 September 2023 | url-access = limited | isbn = 978-1-47382-391-4 | oclc = 925303234 | ol = OL38289944M | via = Google Books | df = dmy-all}}
- {{cite book|first1=Yefim | last1 = Gordon | author-link1 = Yefim Gordon |first2=Dmitriy | last2 = Komissarov | first3=Sergey | last3 = Komissarov |date= 10 March 2005 | title = OKB Ilyushin: A History of the Design Bureau and its Aircraft | language = en-gb |publication-place=Hinckley, England | publisher = Midland Publishing Ltd. |isbn=978-1-85780-187-3 |lccn=2007531537 |oclc=56539257 |ol=9001242M | df = dmy-all}}
{{refend}}
External links
{{Commons category|Beriev A-50}}
- {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20101202042004/http://www.vectorsite.net/avil76.html#m6 vectorsite.net Beriev A-50]}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20101125022529/http://www.spyflight.co.uk/mainstay.htm Spyflight.co.uk – Beriev A-50 Mainstay]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20050207150416/http://www.aviation.ru/Il/#A-50 Aviation.ru A-50]
- {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20071102211409/http://www.red-stars.org/spip.php?article67 Red-stars.org – A-50 Mainstay]}}
- [http://nvo.ng.ru/armament/1999-11-26/6_avaks.html Source article of NVO (in Russian)]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20080503033845/http://www.military.ir/modules.php?name=News&new_topic=0&pagenum=27 Iranian AEW (in Persian)]
{{Beriev aircraft}}
{{Ilyushin aircraft}}
Category:1980s Soviet command and control aircraft