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F-111 Aardvark vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

F-111 Aardvark vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at a glance — top speed 2,655 vs 2,327 km/h, range 5,940 vs 6,800 km, max takeoff weight 45,359 vs 126,000 kg, built 563 vs 497 units.

General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-111 AardvarkFull specs
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-22M / Tu-26 BackfireFull specs
Specifications
F-111 Aardvark Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Bombers
Manufacturer General Dynamics Tupolev
First flight 21 December 1964 30 August 1969
Year introduced 1967 1973
Number produced 563 units 497 units
Average unit price $15 million $65 million
Wing area 61.1 m² 183.6 m²
Wingspan 19.2 m 34.3 m
Height 5.0 m 11.1 m
Length 22.4 m 42.4 m
Maximum speed 2655 km/h 2327 km/h
Operational range 5,940 km 6,800 km
Service ceiling 20,117 m 13,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 45,359 kg 126,000 kg
Empty weight 21,400 kg 58,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 11,385 kgf 2 x 25,278 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-111 Aardvark or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The F-111 Aardvark is faster with a maximum speed of 2,655 km/h compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,327 km/h, a difference of 328 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-111 Aardvark or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has a longer range at 6,800 km compared to the F-111 Aardvark's 5,940 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-111 Aardvark or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The F-111 Aardvark has a higher service ceiling at 20,117 meters (66,000 ft) compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 13,300 meters (43,635 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-111 Aardvark 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 F-111 Aardvark's 45,359 kg.
Which is larger, the F-111 Aardvark or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is longer at 42.4 meters compared to the F-111 Aardvark's 22.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-111 Aardvark or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is more expensive at approximately $65 million per unit compared to the F-111 Aardvark at $15 million.
Which entered service first, the F-111 Aardvark or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The F-111 Aardvark entered service first in 1967, 6 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire which entered service in 1973.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-111 Aardvark or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The F-111 Aardvark has been produced in greater numbers with 563 units compared to 497 units of the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire.