Tu-16 Badger vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Overview
The Tu-16 Badger and the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire are both Bombers, manufactured by Tupolev and Tupolev respectively.
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire reaches 2,327 km/h — 2.2x the Tu-16 Badger's 1,050 km/h. The Tu-16 Badger has an operational range of 7,200 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 12,800 m for the Tu-16 Badger.
The Tu-16 Badger has been produced in 1,509 units vs 497 for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. Unit cost is $6M for the Tu-16 Badger vs $65M for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The Tu-16 Badger first flew 17 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire (1952 vs 1969).
| Soviet jet bomber, known for Cold War operations and extensive use in various international conflicts, including Middle-Eastern wars. | |
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| 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 supersonic long-range strategic bomber, known for its Cold War deployment and various modernization efforts in Russian service. | |
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| 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 | 165.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 33.0 m â—‰ |
| Height | 10.4 m â—‰ |
| Length | 34.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 1050 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,200 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 12,800 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 79,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 37,200 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 4,763 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Tu-16 Badger 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 Tu-16 Badger's 1,050 km/h, a difference of 1,277 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-16 Badger has a longer range at 7,200 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,410 km.
Which can fly higher, the Tu-16 Badger 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 Tu-16 Badger's 12,800 meters (41,994 ft).
Which is heavier, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 126,000 kg compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 79,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is longer at 42.4 meters compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 34.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is more expensive at approximately $65 million per unit compared to the Tu-16 Badger at $6.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-16 Badger entered service first in 1954, 19 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire which entered service in 1973.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Tu-16 Badger or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-16 Badger has been produced in greater numbers with 1,509 units compared to 497 units of the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire.