B-52H Stratofortress vs Tu-160 Blackjack
Bombers ยท ๐บ๐ธ United States vs ๐ท๐บ Russia
Seven decades in service and counting: the B-52 keeps flying thanks to endless upgrades, now slated to serve into the 2050s with new engines and radars.
The heaviest and fastest supersonic bomber ever built, with swing wings and a cruise-missile bay. Russia restarted limited production in the 2020s.
Key differences
- Tu-160 Blackjack is faster: 2,220 vs 1,010 km/h (+120%).
- B-52H Stratofortress flies farther: 14,080 vs 12,300 km (+14%).
- B-52H Stratofortress is cheaper: ~$84M vs ~$270M per unit.
- B-52H Stratofortress is far more numerous: 744+ built vs 45+.
- Tu-160 Blackjack is the newer design (entered service 1987 vs 1955).
Specifications side by side
| B-52H Stratofortress | Tu-160 Blackjack | |
|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ United States | Country of origin | ๐ท๐บ Russia |
| 1955 | In service since | 1987 |
| 1,010 km/h | Top speed | 2,220 km/h |
| 14,080 km | Range | 12,300 km |
| 83.2 t | Weight | 110 t |
| 5 | Crew | 4 |
| 31.5 t: AGM-86 ALCM, JDAM, mines, future hypersonics | Armament | 45 t: 12ร Kh-101/102 cruise missiles in rotary launchers |
| ~$84M | Unit cost | ~$270M |
| 744+ | Units built | 45+ |
Tables compare stated specifications; real combat outcomes depend on crew training, situation, support and rules of engagement โ not stats alone.