How much did the Tu-28P 'Fiddler' weigh?

Empty, the Tu-128 weighed 24,500 kg (54,013 lb), and its maximum takeoff weight ranged between 43,000 and 43,700 kg (94,799–96,342 lb). At that maximum weight it was the heaviest fighter ever to enter service. It was also the largest and heaviest fighter ever to enter series production.

At almost 30 metres long and with that maximum weight, it was larger and heavier than many of the bombers it was meant to shoot down, and exceeded any Western fighter and most bombers of its time. It is usually described as the largest and heaviest purpose-built interceptor ever to enter service. It is the largest interceptor ever to reach squadron service in any country, and the heaviest by empty weight. It is not, however, the heaviest by maximum takeoff weight: the MiG-31 that replaced it reaches 46,200 kg.

It was a pure interceptor, with high wing loading, unsophisticated but reliable avionics, and poor visibility. It was not an agile aircraft and was designed only to face NATO bombers such as the B-52, not for close combat against smaller aircraft.