M-4 Bison vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Overview
The M-4 Bison and the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire are both Bombers, manufactured by Myasichtchev and Tupolev respectively.
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire reaches 2,327 km/h — 2.5x the M-4 Bison 's 947 km/h. The M-4 Bison has an operational range of 5,600 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 11,000 m for the M-4 Bison .
The M-4 Bison has been produced in 123 units vs 497 for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. Unit cost is $8M for the M-4 Bison vs $65M for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The M-4 Bison first flew 16 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire (1953 vs 1969).
| Soviet strategic bomber, renowned for its Cold War service, extensively deployed for long-range maritime reconnaissance and bombing missions. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Bombers |
| Manufacturer | Myasichtchev |
| First flight | 20 January 1953 |
| Year introduced | 1953 |
| Number produced | 123 units |
| Average unit price | $8 million |
| Soviet supersonic long-range strategic bomber, known for its Cold War deployment and various modernization efforts in Russian service. | |
|
|
| 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 |
| Wing area | 326.4 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 50.5 m â—‰ |
| Height | 14.1 m â—‰ |
| Length | 47.2 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 947 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 5,600 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 11,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 181,500 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 79,700 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,381 kgf 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
Detailed Comparison
Loading analysis...
Generating comparison analysis...
Unable to generate comparison at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the M-4 Bison 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 M-4 Bison 's 947 km/h, a difference of 1,380 km/h.
Which has longer range, the M-4 Bison or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The M-4 Bison has a longer range at 5,600 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,410 km.
Which can fly higher, the M-4 Bison 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 M-4 Bison 's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the M-4 Bison or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The M-4 Bison has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 181,500 kg compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 126,000 kg.
Which is larger, the M-4 Bison or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The M-4 Bison is longer at 47.2 meters compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 42.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the M-4 Bison or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is more expensive at approximately $65 million per unit compared to the M-4 Bison at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the M-4 Bison or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The M-4 Bison entered service first in 1953, 20 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire which entered service in 1973.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the M-4 Bison or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in greater numbers with 497 units compared to 123 units of the M-4 Bison .