B-21 Raider vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
The B-21 Raider and the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire are both Bombers, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and Tupolev respectively. The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire reaches 2,327 km/h — 2.2x the B-21 Raider's 1,050 km/h. The B-21 Raider has an operational range of 9,600 km vs 2,410 km for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-21 Raider operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 13,300 m for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-21 Raider has been produced in 3 units vs 497 for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. Unit cost is $700M for the B-21 Raider vs $65M for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire first flew 54 years before the B-21 Raider (1969 vs 2023).
| American stealth bomber, developed in the 21st century, renowned for advanced technologies and potential for pivotal strategic deployments. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Bombers |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| First flight | 10 November 2023 |
| Year introduced | 2027 |
| Number produced | 3 units |
| Average unit price | $700 million |
| Soviet supersonic long-range strategic bomber, known for its Cold War deployment and various modernization efforts in Russian service. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇳 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 | -- m² |
| Wingspan | 40.0 m ◉ |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | 16.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1050 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 9,600 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 81,647 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 31,751 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 12,240 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 183.6 m² |
| Wingspan | 34.3 m ◉ |
| Height | 11.1 m |
| Length | 42.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 2327 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,410 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 13,300 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 126,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 58,000 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 25,000 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the B-21 Raider 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-21 Raider's 1,050 km/h, a difference of 1,277 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-21 Raider or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-21 Raider has a longer range at 9,600 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,410 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-21 Raider or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-21 Raider has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 13,300 meters (43,635 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-21 Raider or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 126,000 kg compared to the B-21 Raider's 81,647 kg.
Which is larger, the B-21 Raider or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is longer at 42.4 meters compared to the B-21 Raider's 16.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-21 Raider or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-21 Raider is more expensive at approximately $700 million per unit compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at $65 million.
Which entered service first, the B-21 Raider or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire entered service first in 1973, 54 years before the B-21 Raider which entered service in 2027.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-21 Raider or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in greater numbers with 497 units compared to 3 units of the B-21 Raider.