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

Rockwell B-1B Lancer bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-1B Lancer
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
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Specifications
B-1B Lancer Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell Tupolev
First flight 23 March 1983 30 August 1969
Year introduced 1986 1973
Number produced 104 units 497 units
Average unit price $283 million $65 million
Wing area 181.2 m² 183.6 m²
Wingspan 41.8 m 34.3 m
Height 10.4 m 11.1 m
Length 44.5 m 42.4 m
Maximum speed 1448 km/h 2327 km/h
Operational range 9,400 km 2,410 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m 13,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 216,400 kg 126,000 kg
Empty weight 87,100 kg 58,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 1,644 kgf 2 x 12,500 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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

Top speed is 1,448 km/h for the B-1B Lancer vs 2,327 km/h for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-1B Lancer has an operational range of 9,400 km vs 2,410 km for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-1B Lancer operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 13,300 m for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire.

The B-1B Lancer has been produced in 104 units vs 497 for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. Unit cost is $283M for the B-1B Lancer vs $65M for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire first flew 14 years before the B-1B Lancer (1969 vs 1983).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1B Lancer 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-1B Lancer's 1,448 km/h, a difference of 879 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1B Lancer has a longer range at 9,400 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,410 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 13,300 meters (43,635 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 216,400 kg compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 126,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1B Lancer is longer at 44.5 meters compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 42.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1B Lancer is more expensive at approximately $283 million per unit compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at $65 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire entered service first in 1973, 13 years before the B-1B Lancer which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1B Lancer 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-1B Lancer.