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B-1A vs Tu-160 Blackjack

Rockwell B-1A bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-1A
Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-160 Blackjack
Change comparison vs
Specifications
B-1A Tu-160 Blackjack
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell Tupolev
First flight 23 December 1974 19 December 1981
Year introduced 1986 1987
Number produced 104 units 37 units
Average unit price $70 million $250 million
Wing area 594.0 m² 232.0 m²
Wingspan 41.7 m 55.7 m
Height 10.4 m 13.1 m
Length 52.0 m 54.1 m
Maximum speed 2124 km/h 2220 km/h
Operational range 9,800 km 12,300 km
Service ceiling 18,900 m 16,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 179,169 kg 274,877 kg
Empty weight 86,183 kg 109,769 kg
Total thrust 4 x 1,925 kgf 4 x 3,504 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The B-1A and the Tu-160 Blackjack are both Bombers, manufactured by Rockwell and Tupolev respectively.

Top speed is 2,124 km/h for the B-1A vs 2,220 km/h for the Tu-160 Blackjack. The B-1A has an operational range of 9,800 km vs 12,300 km for the Tu-160 Blackjack. The B-1A operates at altitudes up to 18,900 m compared to 16,000 m for the Tu-160 Blackjack.

The B-1A has been produced in 104 units vs 37 for the Tu-160 Blackjack. Unit cost is $70M for the B-1A vs $250M for the Tu-160 Blackjack. The B-1A first flew 7 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack (1974 vs 1981).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1A or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is faster with a maximum speed of 2,220 km/h compared to the B-1A's 2,124 km/h, a difference of 96 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1A or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a longer range at 12,300 km compared to the B-1A's 9,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1A or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The B-1A has a higher service ceiling at 18,900 meters (62,007 ft) compared to the Tu-160 Blackjack's 16,000 meters (52,493 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1A or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 274,877 kg compared to the B-1A's 179,169 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1A or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is longer at 54.1 meters compared to the B-1A's 52.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1A or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the B-1A at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1A or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The B-1A entered service first in 1986, 1 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1A or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The B-1A has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 37 units of the Tu-160 Blackjack.