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Tu-16 Badger vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

Tu-16 Badger vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at a glance — top speed 1,050 vs 2,327 km/h, range 7,200 vs 6,800 km, max takeoff weight 79,000 vs 126,000 kg, built 1,509 vs 497 units.

Tupolev Tu-16 Badger bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-16 Badger
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Specifications
Tu-16 Badger Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev Tupolev
First flight 27 April 1952 30 August 1969
Year introduced 1954 1973
Number produced 1509 units 497 units
Average unit price $6 million $65 million
Wing area 165.0 m² 183.6 m²
Wingspan 33.0 m 34.3 m
Height 10.4 m 11.1 m
Length 34.8 m 42.4 m
Maximum speed 1050 km/h 2327 km/h
Operational range 7,200 km 6,800 km
Service ceiling 12,800 m 13,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 79,000 kg 126,000 kg
Empty weight 37,200 kg 58,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 9,525 kgf 2 x 25,278 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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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 6,800 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.