Tupolev Tu-160 vs Tupolev Tu-22M3
Full specs: Tupolev Tu-160 Tupolev Tu-22M3
Tupolev Tu-160 and Tupolev Tu-22M3 are both bomber, compared here on public specifications. The Tupolev Tu-160 leads on range (12,300 vs 6,800 km). 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) | 2,220 km/h | 2,300 km/h ✓ |
| Max speed (Mach) (Mach) | 2.05 Mach ✓ | 1.88 Mach |
| Cruise speed (km/h) | 917 km/h | N/A |
| Range (km) | 12,300 km ✓ | 6,800 km |
| Service ceiling (m) | 15,000 m ✓ | 13,300 m |
| Firepower | ||
| Hardpoints | 2 | 3 ✓ |
| Weapons payload (kg) | 40,000 kg ✓ | 24,000 kg |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 54.1 m | 42.4 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 110,000 kg | 58,000 kg |
| Combat weight (kg) | 267,600 kg | 126,400 kg |
| Crew | 4 | 4 |
| Propulsion | ||
| Thrust (kN) | 245 kN | 245 kN |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $250,000,000 | N/A |
| Units built | 35 | 497 ✓ |
| Operator countries | 1 | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, Tupolev Tu-160 and Tupolev Tu-22M3? +
The Tupolev Tu-22M3 is the fastest of the 2 compared here, at 2,300 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 Tupolev Tu-22M3 has the higher hardpoints at 3.
Is the Tupolev Tu-160 better than the Tupolev Tu-22M3? +
On the public specs we track, the Tupolev Tu-160 leads on 4 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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