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Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire vs Valiant

Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire vs Valiant at a glance — top speed 2,327 vs 912 km/h, range 6,800 vs 7,200 km, max takeoff weight 126,000 vs 63,503 kg, built 497 vs 108 units.

Vickers Valiant bombers side profile drawing
🇬🇧 Valiant
Specifications
Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire Valiant
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev Vickers
First flight 30 August 1969 18 May 1951
Year introduced 1973 1955
Number produced 497 units 108 units
Average unit price $65 million --
Wing area 183.6 m² 219.4 m²
Wingspan 34.3 m 34.9 m
Height 11.1 m 9.8 m
Length 42.4 m 33.0 m
Maximum speed 2327 km/h 912 km/h
Operational range 6,800 km 7,200 km
Service ceiling 13,300 m 16,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 126,000 kg 63,503 kg
Empty weight 58,000 kg 34,419 kg
Total thrust 2 x 25,278 kgf 4 x 44 kN
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Valiant?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is faster with a maximum speed of 2,327 km/h compared to the Valiant's 912 km/h, a difference of 1,415 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Valiant?
The Valiant has a longer range at 7,200 km compared to the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire's 6,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Valiant?
The Valiant has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 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 Valiant?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 126,000 kg compared to the Valiant's 63,503 kg.
Which is larger, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Valiant?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire is longer at 42.4 meters compared to the Valiant's 33.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire or Valiant?
The Valiant entered service first in 1955, 18 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 Valiant?
The Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire has been produced in greater numbers with 497 units compared to 108 units of the Valiant.