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B-58 Hustler vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

Convair B-58 Hustler bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-58 Hustler
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
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Specifications
B-58 Hustler Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Convair Tupolev
First flight 11 November 1956 30 August 1969
Year introduced 1960 1973
Number produced 116 units 497 units
Average unit price $18 million $65 million
Wing area 143.3 m² 183.6 m²
Wingspan 17.3 m 34.3 m
Height 8.9 m 11.1 m
Length 29.5 m 42.4 m
Maximum speed 2123 km/h 2327 km/h
Operational range 7,600 km 2,410 km
Service ceiling 19,324 m 13,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 80,240 kg 126,000 kg
Empty weight 25,200 kg 58,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 1,100 kgf 2 x 12,500 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The B-58 Hustler and the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire are both Bombers, manufactured by Convair and Tupolev respectively.

Top speed is 2,123 km/h for the B-58 Hustler vs 2,327 km/h for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-58 Hustler has an operational range of 7,600 km vs 2,410 km for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-58 Hustler operates at altitudes up to 19,324 m compared to 13,300 m for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire.

The B-58 Hustler has been produced in 116 units vs 497 for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. Unit cost is $18M for the B-58 Hustler vs $65M for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-58 Hustler first flew 13 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire (1956 vs 1969).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-58 Hustler 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-58 Hustler's 2,123 km/h, a difference of 204 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-58 Hustler or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-58 Hustler has a longer range at 7,600 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,410 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-58 Hustler or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-58 Hustler has a higher service ceiling at 19,324 meters (63,398 ft) compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 13,300 meters (43,635 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-58 Hustler 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-58 Hustler's 80,240 kg.
Which is larger, the B-58 Hustler or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is longer at 42.4 meters compared to the B-58 Hustler's 29.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-58 Hustler 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-58 Hustler at $18 million.
Which entered service first, the B-58 Hustler or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-58 Hustler entered service first in 1960, 13 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire which entered service in 1973.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-58 Hustler or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in greater numbers with 497 units compared to 116 units of the B-58 Hustler.