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M-4 Bison vs Tu-160 Blackjack

M-4 Bison vs Tu-160 Blackjack at a glance — top speed 947 vs 2,220 km/h, range 5,600 vs 12,300 km, max takeoff weight 181,500 vs 274,877 kg, built 123 vs 37 units.

Myasishchev M-4 Bison bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 M-4 Bison
Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-160 Blackjack
Specifications
M-4 Bison Tu-160 Blackjack
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Myasishchev Tupolev
First flight 20 January 1953 19 December 1981
Year introduced 1953 1987
Number produced 123 units 37 units
Average unit price $8 million $250 million
Wing area 326.4 m² 232.0 m²
Wingspan 50.5 m 55.7 m
Height 14.1 m 13.1 m
Length 47.2 m 54.1 m
Maximum speed 947 km/h 2220 km/h
Operational range 5,600 km 12,300 km
Service ceiling 11,000 m 16,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 181,500 kg 274,877 kg
Empty weight 79,700 kg 109,769 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,525 kgf 4 x 24,983 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the M-4 Bison or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is faster with a maximum speed of 2,220 km/h compared to the M-4 Bison's 947 km/h, a difference of 1,273 km/h.
Which has longer range, the M-4 Bison or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a longer range at 12,300 km compared to the M-4 Bison's 5,600 km.
Which can fly higher, the M-4 Bison or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the M-4 Bison's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the M-4 Bison or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 274,877 kg compared to the M-4 Bison's 181,500 kg.
Which is larger, the M-4 Bison or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is longer at 54.1 meters compared to the M-4 Bison's 47.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the M-4 Bison or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the M-4 Bison at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the M-4 Bison or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The M-4 Bison entered service first in 1953, 34 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the M-4 Bison or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The M-4 Bison has been produced in greater numbers with 123 units compared to 37 units of the Tu-160 Blackjack.