Boeing B-1B Lancer vs Tupolev Tu-160
Full specs: Boeing B-1B Lancer Tupolev Tu-160
Boeing B-1B Lancer and Tupolev Tu-160 are both bomber, compared here on public specifications. The Tupolev Tu-160 leads on max speed (2,220 vs 1,448 km/h). Several Russia-origin figures here are manufacturer or state claims with limited independent verification, so treat this comparison as directional.
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Full data
Full spec sheet
| Performance | ||
| Max speed (km/h) | 1,448 km/h | 2,220 km/h ✓ |
| Max speed (Mach) (Mach) | 1.2 Mach | 2.05 Mach ✓ |
| Cruise speed (km/h) | N/A | 917 km/h |
| Range (km) | 11,998 km | 12,300 km ✓ |
| Service ceiling (m) | 18,000 m ✓ | 15,000 m |
| Firepower | ||
| Hardpoints | 6 ✓ | 2 |
| Weapons payload (kg) | 34,019 kg | 40,000 kg ✓ |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 44.5 m | 54.1 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 87,090 kg | 110,000 kg |
| Combat weight (kg) | 216,365 kg | 267,600 kg |
| Crew | 4 | 4 |
| Propulsion | ||
| Thrust (kN) | 136 kN | 245 kN ✓ |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $317,000,000 | $250,000,000 ✓ |
| Units built | 100 ✓ | 35 |
| Operator countries | 1 | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, Boeing B-1B Lancer and Tupolev Tu-160? +
The Tupolev Tu-160 is the fastest of the 2 compared here, at 2,220 km/h.
Which has the longer range? +
The Tupolev Tu-160 has the longest range at 12,300 km.
Which carries the larger weapons payload? +
The Tupolev Tu-160 carries the largest weapons payload at 40,000 kg.
Which is cheaper? +
The Tupolev Tu-160 has the lower public unit-cost figure at 250,000,000 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Which has the higher max speed (mach)? +
The Tupolev Tu-160 has the higher max speed (mach) at 2.05 Mach.
Which has the higher hardpoints? +
The Boeing B-1B Lancer has the higher hardpoints at 6.
Is the Boeing B-1B Lancer better than the Tupolev Tu-160? +
On the public specs we track, the Tupolev Tu-160 leads on 5 of 6 headline metrics, see the full spec sheet for the metric-by-metric breakdown.
Where does this comparison data come from? +
Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.
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