B-1A vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

Overview

The B-1A and the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire are both Bombers, manufactured by Rockwell and Tupolev respectively.

Top speed is 2,124 km/h for the B-1A vs 2,327 km/h for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-1A has an operational range of 9,800 km vs 2,410 km for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-1A operates at altitudes up to 18,900 m compared to 13,300 m for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire.

The B-1A has been produced in 104 units vs 497 for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. Unit cost is $70M for the B-1A vs $65M for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire first flew 5 years before the B-1A (1969 vs 1974).

American strategic bomber, conceived during the Cold War, canceled after four prototypes, resurrected in the advanced B-1B version.
Rockwell B-1A Bomber profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell
First flight 23 December 1974
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 104 units
Average unit price $70 million
Soviet supersonic long-range strategic bomber, known for its Cold War deployment and various modernization efforts in Russian service.
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire Bomber profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ Ex-USSR
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 30 August 1969
Year introduced 1973
Number produced 497 units
Average unit price $65 million
Wing area 594.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 41.7 m β—‰
Height 10.4 m β—‰
Length 52.0 m β—‰
Maximum speed 2124 km/h β—‰
Operational range 9,800 km β—‰
Service ceiling 18,900 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 179,169 kg β—‰
Empty weight 86,183 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 1,925 kgf β—‰
Wing area 183.6 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 34.3 m β—‰
Height 11.1 m β—‰
Length 42.4 m β—‰
Maximum speed 2327 km/h β—‰
Operational range 2,410 km β—‰
Service ceiling 13,300 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 126,000 kg β—‰
Empty weight 58,000 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 12,500 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is faster with a maximum speed of 2,327 km/h compared to the B-1A's 2,124 km/h, a difference of 203 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1A has a longer range at 9,800 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,410 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1A has a higher service ceiling at 18,900 meters (62,007 ft) compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 13,300 meters (43,635 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1A has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 179,169 kg compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 126,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1A is longer at 52.0 meters compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 42.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1A is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at $65 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire entered service first in 1973, 13 years before the B-1A which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in greater numbers with 497 units compared to 104 units of the B-1A.