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Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire vs Tu-4 Bull

Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire vs Tu-4 Bull at a glance — top speed 2,327 vs 558 km/h, range 6,800 vs 5,400 km, max takeoff weight 126,000 vs 63,600 kg, built 497 vs 847 units.

Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Tupolev Tu-4 Bull bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-4 Bull
Specifications
Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire Tu-4 Bull
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev Tupolev
First flight 30 August 1969 19 May 1947
Year introduced 1973 1949
Number produced 497 units 847 units
Average unit price $65 million --
Wing area 183.6 m² 161.7 m²
Wingspan 34.3 m 43.1 m
Height 11.1 m 8.5 m
Length 42.4 m 30.2 m
Maximum speed 2327 km/h 558 km/h
Operational range 6,800 km 5,400 km
Service ceiling 13,300 m 11,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 126,000 kg 63,600 kg
Empty weight 58,000 kg 36,850 kg
Total thrust 2 x 25,278 kgf 4 x 1,790 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is faster with a maximum speed of 2,327 km/h compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 558 km/h, a difference of 1,769 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has a longer range at 6,800 km compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 5,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has a higher service ceiling at 13,300 meters (43,635 ft) compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 11,200 meters (36,745 ft).
Which is heavier, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 126,000 kg compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 63,600 kg.
Which is larger, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is longer at 42.4 meters compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 30.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-4 Bull entered service first in 1949, 24 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire which entered service in 1973.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-4 Bull has been produced in greater numbers with 847 units compared to 497 units of the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire.