The TU-160 finally went on it's first real combat op.
http://warisboring.com/articles/russian-heavy-bombers-fly-huge-raid-in-syria/
B1 vs Tu160 what is better?
Assuming good maintenance and repair, also assuming the same build quality-- basically if you had a pristine example of either aircraft
>>27922267
Different tasks.
>>27922267
based on some quick googling, the blackjack is better performance-wise when it comes to speed and range, but the Lancer can carry considerably more payload by weight.
>>27922267
Blackjack has far greater speed and somewhat greater range. The Lancer has a greater payload (though this is somewhat mitigated in that it rarely uses it's external pylons to keep it's RCS down), as well as superior avionics and variety of munitions.
Not to forget the B-1s couldn't fly in Desert Storm because it was too hot.
'Merica and such.
>>27922267
I suspect that the B-1 is more cost effective, but I have no way to prove this. I think the Tu-160 can only shoot missiles. It can't drop gravity bombs. I feel like that makes the B-1 more versatile. In terms of paper stats, the Swan is more impressive, though. It's the best combat aircraft, ever and it has the most powerful engines of any combat aircraft, ever.
>>27922267
Huh I never noticed until today how similar the Tu160 and B1 Lancer looked.
If the Chinese built the Tu160 we'd all be crying copycat.
>>27922431
The whole fleet was grounded due to engine fires before the war started at all. They didn't have much conventional ability at the time anyways.
Really you should have known this was bullshit given we use them in the ME all the time nowadays.
>>27922447
Thankfully they're color-coded for convenience.
>>27922447
Didnt the tu160 come first?
>>27922531
No, B-1 beat it out of the gate by 7 years.
>>27922531
Nope. The Tu-160 was created, partially in response to the B-1, if this Russian documentary is to be believed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTpLn30PbbQ
I'm sure that they'd claim they were first if they could.
>>27922175
>real combat op.
how is it real if there's no possibility of them getting shot at?
>>27922568
It's the first time it's dropped bombs on something living.
>>27922556
>>27922565
Ok thanks for the clarification
