B-52 Stratofortress vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
The B-52 Stratofortress 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 — 2.3x the B-52 Stratofortress's 1,000 km/h. The B-52 Stratofortress has an operational range of 14,200 km vs 2,410 km for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-52 Stratofortress operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 13,300 m for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-52 Stratofortress has been produced in 744 units vs 497 for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. Unit cost is $70M for the B-52 Stratofortress vs $65M for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-52 Stratofortress first flew 17 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire (1952 vs 1969).
| American strategic bomber, significant for Cold War role, actively used in conflict zones from Vietnam to the Gulf War. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Bombers |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 15 April 1952 |
| Year introduced | 1955 |
| Number produced | 744 units |
| Average unit price | $70 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 | 370.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 56.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 12.4 m ◉ |
| Length | 48.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1000 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 14,200 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 220,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 83,250 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 8 x 7,747 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-52 Stratofortress 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-52 Stratofortress's 1,000 km/h, a difference of 1,327 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a longer range at 14,200 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,410 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-52 Stratofortress 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-52 Stratofortress or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 220,000 kg compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 126,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-52 Stratofortress is longer at 48.5 meters compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 42.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-52 Stratofortress is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at $65 million.
Which entered service first, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-52 Stratofortress entered service first in 1955, 18 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire which entered service in 1973.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-52 Stratofortress or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-52 Stratofortress has been produced in greater numbers with 744 units compared to 497 units of the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire.