B-2 Spirit vs B-36 Peacemaker

The B-2 Spirit and the B-36 Peacemaker are both Bombers, manufactured by Northrop and Convair respectively. Top speed is 972 km/h for the B-2 Spirit vs 673 km/h for the B-36 Peacemaker. The B-2 Spirit has an operational range of 11,000 km vs 6,413 km for the B-36 Peacemaker. The B-2 Spirit operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 13,289 m for the B-36 Peacemaker. The B-2 Spirit has been produced in 21 units vs 384 for the B-36 Peacemaker. Unit cost is $750M for the B-2 Spirit vs $10M for the B-36 Peacemaker. The B-36 Peacemaker first flew 43 years before the B-2 Spirit (1946 vs 1989).

American stealth bomber, operational since the late 20th century, notably deployed in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq conflicts.
Northrop B-2 Spirit Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop
First flight 17 July 1989
Year introduced 1993
Number produced 21 units
Average unit price $750 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 478.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 52.0 m â—‰
Height 5.0 m â—‰
Length 21.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 972 km/h â—‰
Operational range 11,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 170,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 71,668 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 1,962 kgf â—‰
Wing area 443.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 70.0 m â—‰
Height 14.3 m â—‰
Length 49.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 673 km/h â—‰
Operational range 6,413 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,289 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 185,973 kg â—‰
Empty weight 75,530 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 590 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

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-2 Spirit has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the B-36 Peacemaker's 6,413 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.