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B-1A vs F-117 Nighthawk

Rockwell B-1A bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-1A
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-117 Nighthawk
Change comparison vs
Specifications
B-1A F-117 Nighthawk
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell Lockheed
First flight 23 December 1974 18 June 1981
Year introduced 1986 1983
Number produced 104 units 64 units
Average unit price $70 million $45 million
Wing area 594.0 m² 73.0 m²
Wingspan 41.7 m 13.2 m
Height 10.4 m 3.8 m
Length 52.0 m 20.1 m
Maximum speed 2124 km/h 993 km/h
Operational range 9,800 km 1,720 km
Service ceiling 18,900 m 21,031 m
Max. takeoff weight 179,169 kg 25,000 kg
Empty weight 86,183 kg 13,380 kg
Total thrust 4 x 1,925 kgf 2 x 2,391 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The B-1A and the F-117 Nighthawk are both Bombers, manufactured by Rockwell and Lockheed respectively.

The B-1A reaches 2,124 km/h — 2.1x the F-117 Nighthawk's 993 km/h. The B-1A has an operational range of 9,800 km vs 1,720 km for the F-117 Nighthawk. The F-117 Nighthawk operates at altitudes up to 21,031 m compared to 18,900 m for the B-1A. At 179,169 kg MTOW, the B-1A is 7.2x the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.

The B-1A has been produced in 104 units vs 64 for the F-117 Nighthawk. Unit cost is $70M for the B-1A vs $45M for the F-117 Nighthawk. The B-1A first flew 7 years before the F-117 Nighthawk (1974 vs 1981).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1A or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1A is faster with a maximum speed of 2,124 km/h compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 993 km/h, a difference of 1,131 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1A or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1A has a longer range at 9,800 km compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,720 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1A or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk has a higher service ceiling at 21,031 meters (68,999 ft) compared to the B-1A's 18,900 meters (62,007 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1A or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1A has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 179,169 kg compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1A or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1A is longer at 52.0 meters compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 20.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1A or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1A is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the F-117 Nighthawk at $45 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1A or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk entered service first in 1983, 3 years before the B-1A which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1A or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1A has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 64 units of the F-117 Nighthawk.