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Tu-160 Blackjack vs Tu-4 Bull

Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-160 Blackjack
Tupolev Tu-4 Bull bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-4 Bull
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Tu-160 Blackjack Tu-4 Bull
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev Tupolev
First flight 19 December 1981 19 May 1947
Year introduced 1987 1949
Number produced 37 units 847 units
Average unit price $250 million --
Wing area 232.0 m² 161.7 m²
Wingspan 55.7 m 43.1 m
Height 13.1 m 8.5 m
Length 54.1 m 30.2 m
Maximum speed 2220 km/h 558 km/h
Operational range 12,300 km 5,400 km
Service ceiling 16,000 m 11,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 274,877 kg 63,600 kg
Empty weight 109,769 kg 36,850 kg
Total thrust 4 x 24,983 kgf 4 x 1,790 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Tu-160 Blackjack and the Tu-4 Bull are both Bombers, manufactured by Tupolev and Tupolev respectively.

The Tu-160 Blackjack reaches 2,220 km/h — 4.0:1 the Tu-4 Bull's 558 km/h. The Tu-160 Blackjack has an operational range of 12,300 km vs 5,400 km for the Tu-4 Bull. The Tu-160 Blackjack operates at altitudes up to 16,000 m compared to 11,200 m for the Tu-4 Bull. At 274,877 kg MTOW, the Tu-160 Blackjack is 4.3:1 the Tu-4 Bull's 63,600 kg.

The Tu-160 Blackjack has been produced in 37 units vs 847 for the Tu-4 Bull. The Tu-4 Bull first flew 34 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack (1947 vs 1981).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is faster with a maximum speed of 2,220 km/h compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 558 km/h, a difference of 1,662 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a longer range at 12,300 km compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 5,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 11,200 meters (36,745 ft).
Which is heavier, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 274,877 kg compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 63,600 kg.
Which is larger, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is longer at 54.1 meters compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 30.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-4 Bull entered service first in 1949, 38 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Tu-160 Blackjack or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-4 Bull has been produced in greater numbers with 847 units compared to 37 units of the Tu-160 Blackjack.