Tu-16 Badger vs Tu-160 Blackjack

The Tu-16 Badger and the Tu-160 Blackjack are both Bombers, manufactured by Tupolev and Tupolev respectively. The Tu-160 Blackjack reaches 2,220 km/h — 2.1x the Tu-16 Badger's 1,050 km/h. The Tu-16 Badger has an operational range of 7,200 km vs 12,300 km for the Tu-160 Blackjack. The Tu-160 Blackjack operates at altitudes up to 16,000 m compared to 12,800 m for the Tu-16 Badger. At 274,877 kg MTOW, the Tu-160 Blackjack is 3.5x the Tu-16 Badger's 79,000 kg. The Tu-16 Badger has been produced in 1,509 units vs 37 for the Tu-160 Blackjack. Unit cost is $6M for the Tu-16 Badger vs $250M for the Tu-160 Blackjack. The Tu-16 Badger first flew 29 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack (1952 vs 1981).

Soviet jet bomber, known for Cold War operations and extensive use in various international conflicts, including Middle-Eastern wars.
Tupolev Tu-16 Badger Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 27 April 1952
Year introduced 1954
Number produced 1509 units
Average unit price $6 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 165.0 m²
Wingspan 33.0 m
Height 10.4 m
Length 34.8 m
Maximum speed 1050 km/h
Operational range 7,200 km
Service ceiling 12,800 m
Max. takeoff weight 79,000 kg
Empty weight 37,200 kg
Total thrust 2 x 9,525 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 Tu-16 Badger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is faster with a maximum speed of 2,220 km/h compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 1,050 km/h, a difference of 1,170 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a longer range at 12,300 km compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 7,200 km.
Which can fly higher, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 12,800 meters (41,994 ft).
Which is heavier, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 274,877 kg compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 79,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is longer at 54.1 meters compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 34.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the Tu-16 Badger at $6.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-16 Badger entered service first in 1954, 33 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-16 Badger has been produced in greater numbers with 1,509 units compared to 37 units of the Tu-160 Blackjack.