B-1A vs B-36 Peacemaker

The B-1A and the B-36 Peacemaker are both Bombers, manufactured by Rockwell and Convair respectively. The B-1A reaches 2,124 km/h — 3.2x the B-36 Peacemaker's 673 km/h. The B-1A has an operational range of 9,800 km vs 6,413 km for the B-36 Peacemaker. The B-1A operates at altitudes up to 18,900 m compared to 13,289 m for the B-36 Peacemaker. The B-1A has been produced in 104 units vs 384 for the B-36 Peacemaker. Unit cost is $70M for the B-1A vs $10M for the B-36 Peacemaker. The B-36 Peacemaker first flew 28 years before the B-1A (1946 vs 1974).

American strategic bomber, conceived during the Cold War, canceled after four prototypes, resurrected in the advanced B-1B version.
Rockwell B-1A Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell
First flight 23 December 1974
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 104 units
Average unit price $70 million
American strategic bomber from the Cold War era with notable service in the Strategic Air Command from 1949 to 1959.
Convair B-36 Peacemaker Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Convair
First flight 8 August 1946
Year introduced 1949
Number produced 384 units
Average unit price $10 million
Wing area 594.0 m²
Wingspan 41.7 m
Height 10.4 m
Length 52.0 m
Maximum speed 2124 km/h
Operational range 9,800 km
Service ceiling 18,900 m
Max. takeoff weight 179,169 kg
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 7,700 kgf
Wing area 443.5 m²
Wingspan 70.0 m
Height 14.3 m
Length 49.4 m
Maximum speed 673 km/h
Operational range 6,413 km
Service ceiling 13,289 m
Max. takeoff weight 185,973 kg
Empty weight 75,530 kg
Total thrust 4 x 2,359 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1A or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-1A is faster with a maximum speed of 2,124 km/h compared to the B-36 Peacemaker's 673 km/h, a difference of 1,451 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1A or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-1A has a longer range at 9,800 km compared to the B-36 Peacemaker's 6,413 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1A or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-1A has a higher service ceiling at 18,900 meters (62,007 ft) compared to the B-36 Peacemaker's 13,289 meters (43,599 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1A or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-36 Peacemaker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 185,973 kg compared to the B-1A's 179,169 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1A or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-1A is longer at 52.0 meters compared to the B-36 Peacemaker's 49.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1A or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-1A is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the B-36 Peacemaker at $10 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1A or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-36 Peacemaker entered service first in 1949, 37 years before the B-1A which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1A or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-36 Peacemaker has been produced in greater numbers with 384 units compared to 104 units of the B-1A.