B-1B Lancer vs Tu-16 Badger

The B-1B Lancer and the Tu-16 Badger are both Bombers, manufactured by Rockwell and Tupolev respectively. Top speed is 1,448 km/h for the B-1B Lancer vs 1,050 km/h for the Tu-16 Badger. The B-1B Lancer has an operational range of 9,400 km vs 7,200 km for the Tu-16 Badger. The B-1B Lancer operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 12,800 m for the Tu-16 Badger. At 216,400 kg MTOW, the B-1B Lancer is 2.7x the Tu-16 Badger's 79,000 kg. The B-1B Lancer has been produced in 104 units vs 1,509 for the Tu-16 Badger. Unit cost is $283M for the B-1B Lancer vs $6M for the Tu-16 Badger. The Tu-16 Badger first flew 31 years before the B-1B Lancer (1952 vs 1983).

American strategic bomber, designed during the Cold War, notably deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan for long-range heavy bombing.
Rockwell B-1B Lancer Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell
First flight 23 March 1983
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 104 units
Average unit price $283 million
Soviet jet bomber, known for Cold War operations and extensive use in various international conflicts, including Middle-Eastern wars.
Tupolev Tu-16 Badger Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 27 April 1952
Year introduced 1954
Number produced 1509 units
Average unit price $6 million
Wing area 181.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 41.8 m â—‰
Height 10.4 m â—‰
Length 44.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1448 km/h â—‰
Operational range 9,400 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 216,400 kg â—‰
Empty weight 87,100 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 6,577 kgf â—‰
Wing area 165.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 33.0 m â—‰
Height 10.4 m â—‰
Length 34.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1050 km/h â—‰
Operational range 7,200 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,800 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 79,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 37,200 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 9,525 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-16 Badger?
The B-1B Lancer is faster with a maximum speed of 1,448 km/h compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 1,050 km/h, a difference of 398 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-16 Badger?
The B-1B Lancer has a longer range at 9,400 km compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 7,200 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-16 Badger?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 12,800 meters (41,994 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-16 Badger?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 216,400 kg compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 79,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-16 Badger?
The B-1B Lancer is longer at 44.5 meters compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 34.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-16 Badger?
The B-1B Lancer is more expensive at approximately $283 million per unit compared to the Tu-16 Badger at $6.0 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-16 Badger?
The Tu-16 Badger entered service first in 1954, 32 years before the B-1B Lancer which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-16 Badger?
The Tu-16 Badger has been produced in greater numbers with 1,509 units compared to 104 units of the B-1B Lancer.