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B-1A vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

Rockwell B-1A bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-1A
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
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Specifications
B-1A Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell Tupolev
First flight 23 December 1974 30 August 1969
Year introduced -- 1973
Number produced 4 units 497 units
Average unit price $70 million $65 million
Wing area 594.0 m² 183.6 m²
Wingspan 41.7 m 34.3 m
Height 10.4 m 11.1 m
Length 52.0 m 42.4 m
Maximum speed 2124 km/h 2327 km/h
Operational range 9,800 km 6,800 km
Service ceiling 18,900 m 13,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 179,169 kg 126,000 kg
Empty weight 86,183 kg 58,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 13,608 kgf 2 x 25,278 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The B-1A and the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire are both Bombers, manufactured by Rockwell and Tupolev respectively.

Top speed is 2,124 km/h for the B-1A vs 2,327 km/h for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-1A has an operational range of 9,800 km vs 6,800 km for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The B-1A operates at altitudes up to 18,900 m compared to 13,300 m for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire.

The B-1A has been produced in 4 units vs 497 for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. Unit cost is $70M for the B-1A vs $65M for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire. The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire first flew 5 years before the B-1A (1969 vs 1974).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1A 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 B-1A's 2,124 km/h, a difference of 203 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1A has a longer range at 9,800 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 6,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1A has a higher service ceiling at 18,900 meters (62,007 ft) compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 13,300 meters (43,635 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1A has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 179,169 kg compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 126,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1A is longer at 52.0 meters compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 42.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1A is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at $65 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1A or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in greater numbers with 497 units compared to 4 units of the B-1A.