B-2 Spirit vs B-52 Stratofortress

American stealth bomber, operational since the late 20th century, notably deployed in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq conflicts.
B-2 Spirit Bomber photo
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, significant for Cold War role, actively used in conflict zones from Vietnam to the Gulf War.
B-52 Stratofortress Bomber photo
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 15 April 1952
Year introduced 1955
Number produced 744 units
Average unit price $70 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 7,847 kgf â—‰
Northrop B-2 Spirit Bomber profile drawing
Wing area 370.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 56.4 m â—‰
Height 12.4 m â—‰
Length 48.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1000 km/h â—‰
Operational range 14,200 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 220,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 83,250 kg â—‰
Total thrust 8 x 7,747 kgf â—‰
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress Bomber profile drawing

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-2 Spirit or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress is faster with a maximum speed of 1,000 km/h compared to the B-2 Spirit's 972 km/h, a difference of 28 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-2 Spirit or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a longer range at 14,200 km compared to the B-2 Spirit's 11,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-2 Spirit or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the B-52 Stratofortress's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-2 Spirit or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 220,000 kg compared to the B-2 Spirit's 170,200 kg.
Which is larger, the B-2 Spirit or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress is longer at 48.5 meters compared to the B-2 Spirit's 21.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-2 Spirit or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-2 Spirit is more expensive at approximately $750 million per unit compared to the B-52 Stratofortress at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the B-2 Spirit or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress entered service first in 1955, 38 years before the B-2 Spirit which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-2 Spirit or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress has been produced in greater numbers with 744 units compared to 21 units of the B-2 Spirit.