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

H-6 vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at a glance — top speed 1,050 vs 2,327 km/h, range 6,000 vs 6,800 km, max takeoff weight 95,000 vs 126,000 kg, built 231 vs 497 units.

Xian H-6 bombers side profile drawing
🇨🇳 H-6
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Specifications
H-6 Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Xian Tupolev
First flight 27 September 1959 30 August 1969
Year introduced 1959 1973
Number produced 231 units 497 units
Average unit price $60 million $65 million
Wing area 165.0 m² 183.6 m²
Wingspan 33.0 m 34.3 m
Height 10.4 m 11.1 m
Length 34.8 m 42.4 m
Maximum speed 1050 km/h 2327 km/h
Operational range 6,000 km 6,800 km
Service ceiling 12,800 m 13,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 95,000 kg 126,000 kg
Empty weight 37,200 kg 58,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 118 kN 2 x 25,278 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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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 Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has a longer range at 6,800 km compared to the H-6's 6,000 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 is more expensive, the H-6 or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is more expensive at approximately $65 million per unit compared to the H-6 at $60 million.
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.