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Tu-160 Blackjack vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

Tu-160 Blackjack vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at a glance — top speed 2,220 vs 2,327 km/h, range 12,300 vs 6,800 km, max takeoff weight 274,877 vs 126,000 kg, built 37 vs 497 units.

Specifications
Tu-160 Blackjack Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev Tupolev
First flight 19 December 1981 30 August 1969
Year introduced 1987 1973
Number produced 37 units 497 units
Average unit price $250 million $65 million
Wing area 232.0 m² 183.6 m²
Wingspan 55.7 m 34.3 m
Height 13.1 m 11.1 m
Length 54.1 m 42.4 m
Maximum speed 2220 km/h 2327 km/h
Operational range 12,300 km 6,800 km
Service ceiling 16,000 m 13,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 274,877 kg 126,000 kg
Empty weight 109,769 kg 58,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 24,983 kgf 2 x 25,278 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Tu-160 Blackjack 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-160 Blackjack's 2,220 km/h, a difference of 107 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a longer range at 12,300 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 6,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 13,300 meters (43,635 ft).
Which is heavier, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 274,877 kg compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 126,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is longer at 54.1 meters compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 42.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at $65 million.
Which entered service first, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire entered service first in 1973, 14 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in greater numbers with 497 units compared to 37 units of the Tu-160 Blackjack.