H-6 vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

Overview

The H-6 and the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire are both Bombers, manufactured by Xian and Tupolev respectively.

The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire reaches 2,327 km/h — 2.2x the H-6's 1,050 km/h. The H-6 has an operational range of 6,000 km vs 2,410 km for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire operates at altitudes up to 13,300 m compared to 12,800 m for the H-6.

The H-6 has been produced in 231 units vs 497 for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The H-6 first flew 10 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire (1959 vs 1969).

H-6

Chinese twin-engine jet heavy bomber, developed in the late 1950s, utilized for strategic bombing, maritime strikes, and nuclear deterrence.
Xian H-6 Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Xian
First flight 27 September 1959
Year introduced 1959
Number produced 231 units
Average unit price --
Soviet supersonic long-range strategic bomber, known for its Cold War deployment and various modernization efforts in Russian service.
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire Bomber profile drawing
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

H-6

Wing area 165.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 33.0 m â—‰
Height 10.4 m â—‰
Length 34.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1050 km/h â—‰
Operational range 6,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,800 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 95,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 37,200 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 59 kN â—‰
Wing area 183.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 34.3 m â—‰
Height 11.1 m â—‰
Length 42.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2327 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,410 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,300 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 126,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 58,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 12,500 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the H-6 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 H-6's 1,050 km/h, a difference of 1,277 km/h.
Which has longer range, the H-6 or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The H-6 has a longer range at 6,000 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,410 km.
Which can fly higher, the H-6 or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has a higher service ceiling at 13,300 meters (43,635 ft) compared to the H-6's 12,800 meters (41,994 ft).
Which is heavier, the H-6 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 H-6's 95,000 kg.
Which is larger, the H-6 or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is longer at 42.4 meters compared to the H-6's 34.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the H-6 or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The H-6 entered service first in 1959, 14 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire which entered service in 1973.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the H-6 or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in greater numbers with 497 units compared to 231 units of the H-6.