B-52 Stratofortress vs Tu-160 Blackjack

Overview

The B-52 Stratofortress and the Tu-160 Blackjack are both Bombers, manufactured by Boeing and Tupolev respectively.

The Tu-160 Blackjack reaches 2,220 km/h β€” 2.2x the B-52 Stratofortress's 1,000 km/h. The B-52 Stratofortress has an operational range of 14,200 km vs 12,300 km for the Tu-160 Blackjack. The Tu-160 Blackjack operates at altitudes up to 16,000 m compared to 15,000 m for the B-52 Stratofortress.

The B-52 Stratofortress has been produced in 744 units vs 37 for the Tu-160 Blackjack. Unit cost is $70M for the B-52 Stratofortress vs $250M for the Tu-160 Blackjack. The B-52 Stratofortress first flew 29 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack (1952 vs 1981).

American strategic bomber, significant for Cold War role, actively used in conflict zones from Vietnam to the Gulf War.
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress Bomber profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 15 April 1952
Year introduced 1955
Number produced 744 units
Average unit price $70 million
Soviet strategic bomber, operational during the Cold War era, known for its supersonic speed and nuclear deterrence flights.
Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack Bomber profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ Ex-USSR
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 19 December 1981
Year introduced 1987
Number produced 37 units
Average unit price $250 million
Wing area 370.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 56.4 m β—‰
Height 12.4 m β—‰
Length 48.5 m β—‰
Maximum speed 1000 km/h β—‰
Operational range 14,200 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 220,000 kg β—‰
Empty weight 83,250 kg β—‰
Total thrust 8 x 968 kgf β—‰
Wing area 232.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 55.7 m β—‰
Height 13.1 m β—‰
Length 54.1 m β—‰
Maximum speed 2220 km/h β—‰
Operational range 12,300 km β—‰
Service ceiling 16,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 274,877 kg β—‰
Empty weight 109,769 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 3,504 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is faster with a maximum speed of 2,220 km/h compared to the B-52 Stratofortress's 1,000 km/h, a difference of 1,220 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a longer range at 14,200 km compared to the Tu-160 Blackjack's 12,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the B-52 Stratofortress's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 274,877 kg compared to the B-52 Stratofortress's 220,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is longer at 54.1 meters compared to the B-52 Stratofortress's 48.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the B-52 Stratofortress at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The B-52 Stratofortress entered service first in 1955, 32 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The B-52 Stratofortress has been produced in greater numbers with 744 units compared to 37 units of the Tu-160 Blackjack.