Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack

The supersonic strategic bomber built for long-range nuclear and conventional strike missions.

Overview

Tupolev Russia ICAO: T160 1987–2017 $70 million

The Tupolev Tu-160 is the largest and fastest operational strategic bomber ever built. Developed during the Cold War for the Soviet Union, it was designed to deliver nuclear and conventional weapons over intercontinental distances. The aircraft remains a central component of Russia’s long-range aviation forces.

Live Fleet Activity (T160)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × Kuznetsov NK-321 turbofans
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 55,000 lbf · 245 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
4
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
177 ft 6 in  ·  54.10 m
Tail height
43 ft 0 in  ·  13.10 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
182 ft 9 in  ·  55.70 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
606,000 lb  ·  275,000 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
36,000 lb  ·  16,300 kg
Fuel capacity
39,100 gal · 148,000 L · 118,400 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
745 kt  ·  857 mph  ·  1,380 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
6,600 nm  ·  7,600 mi  ·  12,220 km
Fuel burn
0.56 nm/gal  ·  0.27 km/L
Ceiling
52,000 ft  ·  15,800 m
Rate of climb
14,000 ft/min  ·  71 m/s
Takeoff distance
7,200 ft  ·  2,200 m
Landing distance
5,250 ft  ·  1,600 m
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Ukrainian Air Force Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber

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Operational Context

Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack — supersonic variable-sweep strategic bomber

The Tu-160 first flew in 1981 and entered service in 1987 with the Soviet Air Forces. Tupolev designed the aircraft around a variable-sweep wing configuration that allowed efficient cruising at subsonic speeds while still enabling high-speed penetration. Its large airframe accommodates significant fuel capacity and internal weapon bays.

Four Kuznetsov NK-32 turbofan engines producing approximately 55,000 pounds of thrust (245 kN) each with afterburner power the aircraft. Maximum speed exceeds Mach 2.0 at altitude. Maximum takeoff weight surpasses 606,000 pounds (275,000 kg), making it one of the heaviest combat aircraft ever produced.

The Tu-160 was developed as a counterpart to Western strategic bombers capable of delivering cruise missiles and gravity weapons. After the Soviet Union’s dissolution, the fleet was divided between Russia and Ukraine, with most aircraft eventually returned to Russian service. Modernized versions continue to receive avionics and weapon system upgrades, ensuring the type remains a key element of Russia’s long-range strike capability.

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