GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

B-21 Raider vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

B-21 Raider vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at a glance — top speed 1,050 vs 2,327 km/h, range 9,600 vs 6,800 km, max takeoff weight 81,647 vs 126,000 kg, built 3 vs 497 units.

Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-21 Raider
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Specifications
B-21 Raider Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman Tupolev
First flight 10 November 2023 30 August 1969
Year introduced 2027 1973
Number produced 3 units 497 units
Average unit price $700 million $65 million
Wing area -- m² 183.6 m²
Wingspan 40.0 m 34.3 m
Height -- m 11.1 m
Length 16.0 m 42.4 m
Maximum speed 1050 km/h 2327 km/h
Operational range 9,600 km 6,800 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 13,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 81,647 kg 126,000 kg
Empty weight 31,751 kg 58,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 12,240 kgf 2 x 25,278 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide US Aircraft Designations Soviet and Russian Aircraft Designations
B-21 Raider vs Tu-160 Blackjack

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 6,800 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.