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Tu-144 Charger vs Tu-160 Blackjack

Tu-144 Charger vs Tu-160 Blackjack at a glance — top speed 2,500 vs 2,220 km/h, range 6,500 vs 12,300 km, max takeoff weight 207,000 vs 274,877 kg, built 16 vs 37 units.

Tupolev Tu-144 Charger military transport aircraft side profile drawing
Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack bombers side profile drawing
Specifications
Tu-144 Charger Tu-160 Blackjack
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Transport Aircraft Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev Tupolev
First flight 31 December 1968 19 December 1981
Year introduced 1975 1987
Number produced 16 units 37 units
Average unit price -- $250 million
Wing area 506.4 m² 232.0 m²
Wingspan 28.8 m 55.7 m
Height 12.6 m 13.1 m
Length 65.7 m 54.1 m
Maximum speed 2500 km/h 2220 km/h
Operational range 6,500 km 12,300 km
Service ceiling 20,000 m 16,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 207,000 kg 274,877 kg
Empty weight 99,200 kg 109,769 kg
Total thrust 4 x 240 kN 4 x 24,983 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Tu-144 Charger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-144 Charger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the Tu-160 Blackjack's 2,220 km/h, a difference of 280 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Tu-144 Charger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a longer range at 12,300 km compared to the Tu-144 Charger's 6,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the Tu-144 Charger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-144 Charger has a higher service ceiling at 20,000 meters (65,616 ft) compared to the Tu-160 Blackjack's 16,000 meters (52,493 ft).
Which is heavier, the Tu-144 Charger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 274,877 kg compared to the Tu-144 Charger's 207,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Tu-144 Charger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-144 Charger is longer at 65.7 meters compared to the Tu-160 Blackjack's 54.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the Tu-144 Charger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-144 Charger entered service first in 1975, 12 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Tu-144 Charger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has been produced in greater numbers with 37 units compared to 16 units of the Tu-144 Charger.