GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

B-1A vs B-1B Lancer

Rockwell B-1A bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-1A
Rockwell B-1B Lancer bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-1B Lancer
Change comparison vs
Specifications
B-1A B-1B Lancer
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell Rockwell
First flight 23 December 1974 23 March 1983
Year introduced 1986 1986
Number produced 104 units 104 units
Average unit price $70 million $283 million
Wing area 594.0 m² 181.2 m²
Wingspan 41.7 m 41.8 m
Height 10.4 m 10.4 m
Length 52.0 m 44.5 m
Maximum speed 2124 km/h 1448 km/h
Operational range 9,800 km 9,400 km
Service ceiling 18,900 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 179,169 kg 216,400 kg
Empty weight 86,183 kg 87,100 kg
Total thrust 4 x 1,925 kgf 4 x 1,644 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1A is faster with a maximum speed of 2,124 km/h compared to the B-1B Lancer's 1,448 km/h, a difference of 676 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1A has a longer range at 9,800 km compared to the B-1B Lancer's 9,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1A has a higher service ceiling at 18,900 meters (62,007 ft) compared to the B-1B Lancer's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 216,400 kg compared to the B-1A's 179,169 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1A is longer at 52.0 meters compared to the B-1B Lancer's 44.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1B Lancer is more expensive at approximately $283 million per unit compared to the B-1A at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
The B-1B Lancer entered service first in 1986, 0 years before the B-1A which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1A or B-1B Lancer?
Both the B-1A and B-1B Lancer have been produced in equal numbers with 104 units each.