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F-117 Nighthawk vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-117 Nighthawk
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
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Specifications
F-117 Nighthawk Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Lockheed Tupolev
First flight 18 June 1981 30 August 1969
Year introduced 1983 1973
Number produced 64 units 497 units
Average unit price $45 million $65 million
Wing area 73.0 m² 183.6 m²
Wingspan 13.2 m 34.3 m
Height 3.8 m 11.1 m
Length 20.1 m 42.4 m
Maximum speed 993 km/h 2327 km/h
Operational range 1,720 km 2,410 km
Service ceiling 21,031 m 13,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 25,000 kg 126,000 kg
Empty weight 13,380 kg 58,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 2,391 kgf 2 x 12,500 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The F-117 Nighthawk and the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire are both Bombers, manufactured by Lockheed and Tupolev respectively.

The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire reaches 2,327 km/h — 2.3x the F-117 Nighthawk's 993 km/h. The F-117 Nighthawk has an operational range of 1,720 km vs 2,410 km for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The F-117 Nighthawk operates at altitudes up to 21,031 m compared to 13,300 m for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. At 126,000 kg MTOW, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is 5.0x the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.

The F-117 Nighthawk has been produced in 64 units vs 497 for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. Unit cost is $45M for the F-117 Nighthawk vs $65M for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire first flew 12 years before the F-117 Nighthawk (1969 vs 1981).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-117 Nighthawk 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 F-117 Nighthawk's 993 km/h, a difference of 1,334 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has a longer range at 2,410 km compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,720 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The F-117 Nighthawk has a higher service ceiling at 21,031 meters (68,999 ft) compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 13,300 meters (43,635 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-117 Nighthawk 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-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.
Which is larger, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is longer at 42.4 meters compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 20.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-117 Nighthawk 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-117 Nighthawk at $45 million.
Which entered service first, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire entered service first in 1973, 10 years before the F-117 Nighthawk which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in greater numbers with 497 units compared to 64 units of the F-117 Nighthawk.