Which one is better Tu-95 Bear or B-52 Bomber

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, often known as the BUFF or Big Ugly Fat Fellow, holds a rich history as one of the US’ heavy-payload strategic bombers. On the other hand, the Tupolev Tu-95, referred to as the 'Bear,' is Russia's counterpart to the B-52 which excels in maritime operations especially in Europe, Asia, and North America. Both the B-52 and Tu-95 are Cold War relics that continue to be operational and formidable to this day, serving as the carriers of nuclear weapons and acting as the linchpin of their respective nations' strategic bombing forces. The question is, which one is superior? Let’s take a look at their most notable contrasting features.

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[AHille]

The Tu-95 is so loud submarines can pick up the acoustic signature under water.

[joelester]

I had a flight instructor when I was in Civil Air Patrol, (back in the early 70's) who was a naval fighter jock during the cold war. He had to intercept the Tu-95 on several occasions. It was so loud that he said he felt like he was going to throw up every time. Yes the buff is loud, but the bear is on another level.

[chrislj]

The turboprops of the Bear may have its drawbacks, but I sure do love the sound.

[catjudo]

Those same Kuznetsov engines and contra-rotating props were used on the Tu 114 Rossiya airliner, itself based on the Tu 95. It remains the world's largest turboprop airliner and was the largest airliner in the world until the introduction of the Boeing 747. This airplane carried Nikita Khrushchev to the United States in 1959 and was a hit with aviation enthusiasts at the time.

[davidtownsend]

Bear for it's coolness factor, BUFF for it's combat record. No question which one I'd choose when the shooting starts.

[nemastarost]

Production logistics and overall coast are an essential factor as well.

[wolfshanze]

As a retired 20 year USAF veteran, I can assure you the "BUFF" is not known to anyone in the Air Force as the "Big Ugly Fat Fellow"... it stands for something else.

[rudeonelife]

I've been inside a BUFF and a Tu-95. Both are incredible aircraft and I have much respect for both. But I give the edge to the BUFF. Rudy USAF AMMO 81-07

[rrrosadorr]

There'a also the fact that the B-52 has been used in combat a heck of a lot more than the Tu-95 over the last 69 years since it first entered service. There's a body of military doctrine that has been built up over the decades for the B-52 and newer weapons systems that have expanded the types of missions wherein the B-52 can be deployed.

[stanburk]

Crew comfort. You're going on a 24 + hour mission you can choose a plane that is so loud submarines can hear it. it's cramped and has very little in the way of creature comforts. this results in fatigue and all that goes along with it. The B52 is getting a multitude of upgrades to make the flight more enjoyable.

[veritasfiles]

Pretty clear it's the B-52 without the new upgrades, and after the upgrades it pretty much not a question.

[jamesoliva]

70 years later and the thought of a B-52 in the neighborhood sends chills down the spine.

[PointyTailofSatan]

There's two things I didn't expect to hear in one sentence; B-52 and photo recon.

[richardkrochmal]

Hands down, I will place my vote for the B-52. No mention was made regarding the maintenance of the planes. Certainly spare parts, ease and the amount of maintenance required would be an important aspect to consider along with crew comfort. As far as radar cross sections there’s simply no way to hide planes as large as B-52 or Russian Bear. One must note the difference in payload, 70, 000lbs for the B-52 vs 33, 000lbs for the Bear.❤

[northseawolf]

B-52 is a beast but i also dig the contra rotating props on the bear

[leeroywolphagen]

The TU-95 dropped and detonated the biggest bomb men ever created, the tsar bumba and the crew barely made out of the blast. I just thought it was very fascinating

[garycombs]

When the B-52 was first produced it truly epitomized the cliche of being ahead of its time.

[ZebraAfrica]

Tu 95 is more interesting with what it achieves with turboprops.
I would pick the B 52 for the air force.

[ewusnr]

The B-52s sang "Love Shack", 1989.

[alex]

It’s worth mentioning that 31 B-52s were shot down in Vietnam.