Ukraine downs prized Russian aircraft

The loss of two planes vital to Moscow’s coordination of ground operations in Ukraine represents a significant blow to Russian air power, with only a limited number of the planes in service


BERIEV A-50, NATO reporting name “Mainstay” 
Radar early-warning plane

A-50M/U

Estimated value: $330 million

Rotating radar: Can detect enemy aircraft from 650km and ground targets from 300km, and coordinate friendly fighters

Length		49.59m
Wingspan	50.50m
Powerplant	Four turbofans
Crew 		5 + 10 mission specialists 
Remaining planes in service 8*

Jan 14: A-50 shot down on entering patrol zone off Kyrylivka, likely killing all 15 crew on board


UKRAINE
Russia-controlled
Kyrylivka 
Strilkove
Sea of Azov
RUSSIA
Anapa
CRIMEA: Annexed in 2014
BLACK SEA
50km 30 miles


ILYUSHIN IL-22
NATO designated “Coot-B”.
Airborne command post helps coordinate ground operations

Antennas

Il-22M11

Length 		35.9m
Wingspan 	37.4m
Powerplant	Four turboprops
Crew 		10
Remaining planes Less than 12

Jan 14: Il-22 hit while on patrol in Strilkove area – makes emergency landing in Anapa.
Kyiv believes plane is damaged beyond repair


**IISS reported nine A-50s as of 2021


Sources: Reuters, Airforce Technology  
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