A-50M
As of July 2001, the Beriev A-50M (NATO Reporting Name `Mainstay-B' - possible alternative Russian
designation A-50U) was the latest operational variant of Russia's A-50 AEW & C platform. As such, the A-50M
differs from its predecessor in being equipped with the improved Shmel-2 radar suite and can be recognised by
the removal of the port side navigator's station window, the introduction of new antenna fairings on either side of
the platform's cargo ramp and the installation of 96 shot, 50 mm APP-50 chaff cartridge (?) and infra-red decoy
flare dispensers on both sides of its rear fuselage. As of the given date, the A-50M may also have been known as
the A-50U and the identification of aircraft 0093497940 and 1013491739 as A-50Ms should be treated with
caution.