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B-2 Spirit vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

B-2 Spirit vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at a glance — top speed 972 vs 2,327 km/h, range 11,000 vs 6,800 km, max takeoff weight 170,200 vs 126,000 kg, built 21 vs 497 units.

Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-2 Spirit
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Specifications
B-2 Spirit Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Tupolev
First flight 17 July 1989 30 August 1969
Year introduced 1993 1973
Number produced 21 units 497 units
Average unit price $750 million $65 million
Wing area 478.0 m² 183.6 m²
Wingspan 52.0 m 34.3 m
Height 5.0 m 11.1 m
Length 21.0 m 42.4 m
Maximum speed 972 km/h 2327 km/h
Operational range 11,000 km 6,800 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 13,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 170,200 kg 126,000 kg
Empty weight 71,668 kg 58,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 7,847 kgf 2 x 25,278 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-2 Spirit 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-2 Spirit's 972 km/h, a difference of 1,355 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-2 Spirit has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 6,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 13,300 meters (43,635 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170,200 kg compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 126,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is longer at 42.4 meters compared to the B-2 Spirit's 21.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-2 Spirit is more expensive at approximately $750 million per unit compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at $65 million.
Which entered service first, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire entered service first in 1973, 20 years before the B-2 Spirit which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in greater numbers with 497 units compared to 21 units of the B-2 Spirit.