Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire vs Tu-95 Bear

Overview

The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire and the Tu-95 Bear are both Bombers, manufactured by Tupolev and Tupolev respectively.

The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire reaches 2,327 km/h — 2.5x the Tu-95 Bear's 920 km/h. The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has an operational range of 2,410 km vs 15,000 km for the Tu-95 Bear. The Tu-95 Bear operates at altitudes up to 13,716 m compared to 13,300 m for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire.

The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in 497 units vs 500 for the Tu-95 Bear. Unit cost is $65M for the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire vs $60M for the Tu-95 Bear. The Tu-95 Bear first flew 17 years before the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire (1952 vs 1969).

Soviet supersonic long-range strategic bomber, known for its Cold War deployment and various modernization efforts in Russian service.
Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire Bomber profile drawing
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
Soviet strategic bomber, prominent during the Cold War, extensively deployed for long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare.
Tupolev Tu-95 Bear Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 12 November 1952
Year introduced 1956
Number produced 500 units
Average unit price $60 million
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 12,500 kgf â—‰
Wing area 310.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 50.1 m â—‰
Height 12.1 m â—‰
Length 46.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 920 km/h â—‰
Operational range 15,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,716 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 188,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 90,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 2,238 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-95 Bear?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is faster with a maximum speed of 2,327 km/h compared to the Tu-95 Bear's 920 km/h, a difference of 1,407 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-95 Bear?
The Tu-95 Bear has a longer range at 15,000 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 2,410 km.
Which can fly higher, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-95 Bear?
The Tu-95 Bear has a higher service ceiling at 13,716 meters (45,000 ft) compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 13,300 meters (43,635 ft).
Which is heavier, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-95 Bear?
The Tu-95 Bear has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 188,000 kg compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 126,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-95 Bear?
The Tu-95 Bear is longer at 46.2 meters compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 42.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-95 Bear?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is more expensive at approximately $65 million per unit compared to the Tu-95 Bear at $60 million.
Which entered service first, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Tu-95 Bear?
The Tu-95 Bear entered service first in 1956, 17 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-95 Bear?
The Tu-95 Bear has been produced in greater numbers with 500 units compared to 497 units of the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire.