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B-2 Spirit vs H-6

B-2 Spirit vs H-6 at a glance — top speed 972 vs 1,050 km/h, range 11,000 vs 6,000 km, max takeoff weight 170,200 vs 95,000 kg, built 21 vs 231 units.

Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-2 Spirit
Xian H-6 bombers side profile drawing
🇨🇳 H-6
Specifications
B-2 Spirit H-6
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Xian
First flight 17 July 1989 27 September 1959
Year introduced 1993 1959
Number produced 21 units 231 units
Average unit price $750 million $60 million
Wing area 478.0 m² 165.0 m²
Wingspan 52.0 m 33.0 m
Height 5.0 m 10.4 m
Length 21.0 m 34.8 m
Maximum speed 972 km/h 1050 km/h
Operational range 11,000 km 6,000 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 12,800 m
Max. takeoff weight 170,200 kg 95,000 kg
Empty weight 71,668 kg 37,200 kg
Total thrust 4 x 7,847 kgf 2 x 118 kN
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-2 Spirit or H-6?
The H-6 is faster with a maximum speed of 1,050 km/h compared to the B-2 Spirit's 972 km/h, a difference of 78 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-2 Spirit or H-6?
The B-2 Spirit has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the H-6's 6,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-2 Spirit or H-6?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the H-6's 12,800 meters (41,994 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-2 Spirit or H-6?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170,200 kg compared to the H-6's 95,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-2 Spirit or H-6?
The H-6 is longer at 34.8 meters compared to the B-2 Spirit's 21.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-2 Spirit or H-6?
The B-2 Spirit is more expensive at approximately $750 million per unit compared to the H-6 at $60 million.
Which entered service first, the B-2 Spirit or H-6?
The H-6 entered service first in 1959, 34 years before the B-2 Spirit which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-2 Spirit or H-6?
The H-6 has been produced in greater numbers with 231 units compared to 21 units of the B-2 Spirit.