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B-1A vs B-2 Spirit

Rockwell B-1A bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-1A
Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-2 Spirit
Change comparison vs
Specifications
B-1A B-2 Spirit
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell Northrop
First flight 23 December 1974 17 July 1989
Year introduced 1986 1993
Number produced 104 units 21 units
Average unit price $70 million $750 million
Wing area 594.0 m² 478.0 m²
Wingspan 41.7 m 52.0 m
Height 10.4 m 5.0 m
Length 52.0 m 21.0 m
Maximum speed 2124 km/h 972 km/h
Operational range 9,800 km 11,000 km
Service ceiling 18,900 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 179,169 kg 170,200 kg
Empty weight 86,183 kg 71,668 kg
Total thrust 4 x 1,925 kgf 4 x 1,962 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The B-1A and the B-2 Spirit are both Bombers, manufactured by Rockwell and Northrop respectively.

The B-1A reaches 2,124 km/h — 2.2x the B-2 Spirit's 972 km/h. The B-1A has an operational range of 9,800 km vs 11,000 km for the B-2 Spirit. The B-1A operates at altitudes up to 18,900 m compared to 15,240 m for the B-2 Spirit.

The B-1A has been produced in 104 units vs 21 for the B-2 Spirit. Unit cost is $70M for the B-1A vs $750M for the B-2 Spirit. The B-1A first flew 15 years before the B-2 Spirit (1974 vs 1989).

Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1A or B-2 Spirit?
The B-1A is faster with a maximum speed of 2,124 km/h compared to the B-2 Spirit's 972 km/h, a difference of 1,152 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1A or B-2 Spirit?
The B-2 Spirit has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the B-1A's 9,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1A or B-2 Spirit?
The B-1A has a higher service ceiling at 18,900 meters (62,007 ft) compared to the B-2 Spirit's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1A or B-2 Spirit?
The B-1A has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 179,169 kg compared to the B-2 Spirit's 170,200 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1A or B-2 Spirit?
The B-1A is longer at 52.0 meters compared to the B-2 Spirit's 21.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1A or B-2 Spirit?
The B-2 Spirit is more expensive at approximately $750 million per unit compared to the B-1A at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1A or B-2 Spirit?
The B-1A entered service first in 1986, 7 years before the B-2 Spirit which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1A or B-2 Spirit?
The B-1A has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 21 units of the B-2 Spirit.