GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

B-2 Spirit vs B-36 Peacemaker

B-2 Spirit vs B-36 Peacemaker at a glance — top speed 972 vs 673 km/h, range 11,000 vs 16,093 km, max takeoff weight 170,200 vs 185,973 kg, built 21 vs 384 units.

Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-2 Spirit
Convair B-36 Peacemaker bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-36 Peacemaker
Specifications
B-2 Spirit B-36 Peacemaker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Convair
First flight 17 July 1989 8 August 1946
Year introduced 1993 1949
Number produced 21 units 384 units
Average unit price $750 million $10 million
Wing area 478.0 m² 443.5 m²
Wingspan 52.0 m 70.0 m
Height 5.0 m 14.3 m
Length 21.0 m 49.4 m
Maximum speed 972 km/h 673 km/h
Operational range 11,000 km 16,093 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 13,289 m
Max. takeoff weight 170,200 kg 185,973 kg
Empty weight 71,668 kg 75,530 kg
Total thrust 4 x 7,847 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide US Aircraft Designations
B-2 Spirit vs B-1B Lancer B-2 Spirit vs Tu-160 Blackjack B-2 Spirit vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire B-2 Spirit vs F-117 Nighthawk

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-2 Spirit or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-2 Spirit is faster with a maximum speed of 972 km/h compared to the B-36 Peacemaker's 673 km/h, a difference of 299 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-2 Spirit or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-36 Peacemaker has a longer range at 16,093 km compared to the B-2 Spirit's 11,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-2 Spirit or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the B-36 Peacemaker's 13,289 meters (43,599 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-2 Spirit or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-36 Peacemaker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 185,973 kg compared to the B-2 Spirit's 170,200 kg.
Which is larger, the B-2 Spirit or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-36 Peacemaker is longer at 49.4 meters compared to the B-2 Spirit's 21.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-2 Spirit or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-2 Spirit is more expensive at approximately $750 million per unit compared to the B-36 Peacemaker at $10 million.
Which entered service first, the B-2 Spirit or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-36 Peacemaker entered service first in 1949, 44 years before the B-2 Spirit which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-2 Spirit or B-36 Peacemaker?
The B-36 Peacemaker has been produced in greater numbers with 384 units compared to 21 units of the B-2 Spirit.