1. The Tupolev Tu-160
Joined the Service in 1981
Not retired: N/A
Price: *$70 million
“Blackjack” is the NATO reporting name for the Tupolev Tu-160. The all-white Tu-160 is referred to as “White Swan” or “Belyj Lebed” in Russian. The Tu-160 is a strategic heavy bomber with variable sweep wings. The Soviet Union created the Tu-160 in the 1970s, most likely in an attempt to rival American aircraft from manufacturers like Boeing.
Tupolev Tu-160 / Twitter.com / @EmbassyofRussia
The largest and heaviest Mach 2+ aircraft ever produced is the Tu-160. It is only surpassed in length by the XB-70 Valkyrie. This battle aircraft is not only the biggest and heaviest in the world, but it is also among the quickest bombers in the air. Its maximum speed is 1,379 mph.
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