Il-28 Beagle vs Tu-160 Blackjack

The Il-28 Beagle and the Tu-160 Blackjack are both Bombers, manufactured by Ilyushin and Tupolev respectively. The Tu-160 Blackjack reaches 2,220 km/h — 2.5x the Il-28 Beagle's 900 km/h. The Il-28 Beagle has an operational range of 2,180 km vs 12,300 km for the Tu-160 Blackjack. The Tu-160 Blackjack operates at altitudes up to 16,000 m compared to 12,300 m for the Il-28 Beagle. At 274,877 kg MTOW, the Tu-160 Blackjack is 13:1 the Il-28 Beagle's 21,000 kg. The Il-28 Beagle has been produced in 6,635 units vs 37 for the Tu-160 Blackjack. Unit cost is $2M for the Il-28 Beagle vs $250M for the Tu-160 Blackjack. The Il-28 Beagle first flew 33 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack (1948 vs 1981).

Soviet jet bomber, operational during the Cold War, extensively utilized in military conflicts in Asia and Africa.
Ilyushin Il-28 Beagle Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Ilyushin
First flight 8 June 1948
Year introduced 1950
Number produced 6635 units
Average unit price $2 million
Soviet strategic bomber, operational during the Cold War era, known for its supersonic speed and nuclear deterrence flights.
Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 19 December 1981
Year introduced 1987
Number produced 37 units
Average unit price $250 million
Wing area 60.8 m²
Wingspan 21.5 m
Height 6.7 m
Length 17.7 m
Maximum speed 900 km/h
Operational range 2,180 km
Service ceiling 12,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 21,000 kg
Empty weight 11,890 kg
Total thrust 2 x 2,700 kgf
Wing area 232.0 m²
Wingspan 55.7 m
Height 13.1 m
Length 54.1 m
Maximum speed 2220 km/h
Operational range 12,300 km
Service ceiling 16,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 274,877 kg
Empty weight 109,769 kg
Total thrust 4 x 14,016 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Il-28 Beagle or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is faster with a maximum speed of 2,220 km/h compared to the Il-28 Beagle's 900 km/h, a difference of 1,320 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-28 Beagle or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a longer range at 12,300 km compared to the Il-28 Beagle's 2,180 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-28 Beagle or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the Il-28 Beagle's 12,300 meters (40,354 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-28 Beagle or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 274,877 kg compared to the Il-28 Beagle's 21,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-28 Beagle or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is longer at 54.1 meters compared to the Il-28 Beagle's 17.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Il-28 Beagle or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the Il-28 Beagle at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Il-28 Beagle or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Il-28 Beagle entered service first in 1950, 37 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-28 Beagle or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Il-28 Beagle has been produced in greater numbers with 6,635 units compared to 37 units of the Tu-160 Blackjack.