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B-1B Lancer vs F-117 Nighthawk

B-1B Lancer vs F-117 Nighthawk at a glance — top speed 1,448 vs 993 km/h, range 9,400 vs 1,720 km, max takeoff weight 216,400 vs 25,000 kg, built 104 vs 64 units.

Rockwell B-1B Lancer bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-1B Lancer
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-117 Nighthawk
Specifications
B-1B Lancer F-117 Nighthawk
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell Lockheed
First flight 23 March 1983 18 June 1981
Year introduced 1986 1983
Number produced 104 units 64 units
Average unit price $283 million $45 million
Wing area 181.2 m² 73.0 m²
Wingspan 41.8 m 13.2 m
Height 10.4 m 3.8 m
Length 44.5 m 20.1 m
Maximum speed 1448 km/h 993 km/h
Operational range 9,400 km 1,720 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m 21,031 m
Max. takeoff weight 216,400 kg 25,000 kg
Empty weight 87,100 kg 13,380 kg
Total thrust 4 x 13,961 kgf 2 x 4,781 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer is faster with a maximum speed of 1,448 km/h compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 993 km/h, a difference of 455 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer has a longer range at 9,400 km compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,720 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk has a higher service ceiling at 21,031 meters (68,999 ft) compared to the B-1B Lancer's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 216,400 kg compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer is longer at 44.5 meters compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 20.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer is more expensive at approximately $283 million per unit compared to the F-117 Nighthawk at $45 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk entered service first in 1983, 3 years before the B-1B Lancer which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 64 units of the F-117 Nighthawk.