B-47 Stratojet vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

The B-47 Stratojet and the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire are both Bombers, manufactured by Boeing and Tupolev respectively. The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire reaches 2,327 km/h — 2.4x the B-47 Stratojet 's 977 km/h. The B-47 Stratojet has an operational range of 3,240 km vs 2,410 km for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire operates at altitudes up to 13,300 m compared to 10,089 m for the B-47 Stratojet . The B-47 Stratojet has been produced in 2,042 units vs 497 for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. Unit cost is $3M for the B-47 Stratojet vs $65M for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-47 Stratojet first flew 22 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire (1947 vs 1969).

American jet bomber, widely deployed during the Cold War, known for its strategic bombing and aerial reconnaissance roles.
Boeing B-47 Stratojet  Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 17 December 1947
Year introduced 1952
Number produced 2042 units
Average unit price $3 million
Soviet supersonic long-range strategic bomber, known for its Cold War deployment and various modernization efforts in Russian service.
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire Bomber profile drawing
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 132.7 m²
Wingspan 35.4 m
Height 8.5 m
Length 32.7 m
Maximum speed 977 km/h
Operational range 3,240 km
Service ceiling 10,089 m
Max. takeoff weight 100,000 kg
Empty weight 35,867 kg
Total thrust 6 x 3,266 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-47 Stratojet 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-47 Stratojet 's 977 km/h, a difference of 1,350 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-47 Stratojet or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-47 Stratojet has a longer range at 3,240 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,410 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-47 Stratojet or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has a higher service ceiling at 13,300 meters (43,635 ft) compared to the B-47 Stratojet 's 10,089 meters (33,100 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-47 Stratojet 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-47 Stratojet 's 100,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-47 Stratojet or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is longer at 42.4 meters compared to the B-47 Stratojet 's 32.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-47 Stratojet or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is more expensive at approximately $65 million per unit compared to the B-47 Stratojet at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the B-47 Stratojet or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-47 Stratojet entered service first in 1952, 21 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire which entered service in 1973.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-47 Stratojet or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-47 Stratojet has been produced in greater numbers with 2,042 units compared to 497 units of the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire.