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Airbus A321 vs Tu-144 Charger

Airbus A321 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 Airbus A321
Tupolev Tu-144 Charger military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-144 Charger
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Specifications
Airbus A321 Tu-144 Charger
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus Tupolev
First flight 27 February 1987 31 December 1968
Year introduced 1994 1975
Number produced 2917 units 16 units
Average unit price $120 million --
Wing area 122.6 m² 506.4 m²
Wingspan 34.1 m 28.8 m
Height 11.8 m 12.6 m
Length 37.6 m 65.7 m
Maximum speed 871 km/h 2500 km/h
Operational range 5,930 km 6,500 km
Service ceiling 12,000 m 20,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 78,000 kg 207,000 kg
Empty weight 42,600 kg 99,200 kg
Total thrust 2 x 11,340 kgf 4 x 240 kN
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Airbus A321 and the Tu-144 Charger are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Tupolev respectively.

The Tu-144 Charger reaches 2,500 km/h — 2.9:1 the Airbus A321's 871 km/h. The Airbus A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 6,500 km for the Tu-144 Charger. The Tu-144 Charger operates at altitudes up to 20,000 m compared to 12,000 m for the Airbus A321. At 207,000 kg MTOW, the Tu-144 Charger is 2.7:1 the Airbus A321's 78,000 kg.

The Airbus A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 16 for the Tu-144 Charger. The Tu-144 Charger first flew 19 years before the Airbus A321 (1968 vs 1987).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A321 or Tu-144 Charger?
The Tu-144 Charger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the Airbus A321's 871 km/h, a difference of 1,629 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A321 or Tu-144 Charger?
The Tu-144 Charger has a longer range at 6,500 km compared to the Airbus A321's 5,930 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A321 or Tu-144 Charger?
The Tu-144 Charger has a higher service ceiling at 20,000 meters (65,616 ft) compared to the Airbus A321's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A321 or Tu-144 Charger?
The Tu-144 Charger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 207,000 kg compared to the Airbus A321's 78,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A321 or Tu-144 Charger?
The Tu-144 Charger is longer at 65.7 meters compared to the Airbus A321's 37.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A321 or Tu-144 Charger?
The Tu-144 Charger entered service first in 1975, 19 years before the Airbus A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A321 or Tu-144 Charger?
The Airbus A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 16 units of the Tu-144 Charger.