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

American strategic bomber, designed during the Cold War, notably deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan for long-range heavy bombing.
Picture of B-1B Lancer
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell
First flight 23 March 1983
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 104 units
Average unit price $283 million
Soviet supersonic long-range strategic bomber, known for its Cold War deployment and various modernization efforts in Russian service.
Picture of Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 30 August 1969
Year introduced 1973
Number produced 497 units
Average unit price $65 million
Wing area 181.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 41.8 m â—‰
Height 10.4 m â—‰
Length 44.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1448 km/h â—‰
Operational range 9,400 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 216,400 kg â—‰
Empty weight 87,100 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 6,577 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Rockwell B-1B Lancer
Wing area 183.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 34.3 m â—‰
Height 11.1 m â—‰
Length 42.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2327 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,410 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,300 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 126,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 58,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 25,000 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1B Lancer 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-1B Lancer's 1,448 km/h, a difference of 879 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1B Lancer has a longer range at 9,400 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,410 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 13,300 meters (43,635 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 216,400 kg compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 126,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1B Lancer is longer at 44.5 meters compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 42.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The B-1B Lancer is more expensive at approximately $283 million per unit compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire at $65 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire entered service first in 1973, 13 years before the B-1B Lancer which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1B Lancer or Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in greater numbers with 497 units compared to 104 units of the B-1B Lancer.