The Biggest, Most Expensive Military Planes Ever Produced

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.

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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.

2. The Zero Mitsubishi A6M

Joined the Service in 1940 1945 saw retirement Expense: $3 million * Mitsubishi Aircraft manufactured the Mitsubishi A6M Zero for the Imperial Japanese Navy. 10,939 Type Zeros were produced and flew between 1940 and 1945. When one thinks of Mitsubishi, one may picture the rival to Honda that produces SUVs and fast automobiles.

©Wikimedia.org Mitsubishi A6M Zero The Zero, nevertheless, is not at all like that image. This bomber, a dogfighter, often defeated Allied forces in World War II. That is, until the Allies created fresh strategies and improved gear, which let them defeat the Zero, sometimes known as "Zeke." The Zero could no longer hold its own against Allied Forces by 1944.