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B-2 Spirit vs Il-28 Beagle

B-2 Spirit vs Il-28 Beagle at a glance — top speed 972 vs 900 km/h, range 11,000 vs 2,180 km, max takeoff weight 170,200 vs 21,000 kg, built 21 vs 6,635 units.

Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-2 Spirit
Ilyushin Il-28 Beagle bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Il-28 Beagle
Specifications
B-2 Spirit Il-28 Beagle
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Ilyushin
First flight 17 July 1989 8 June 1948
Year introduced 1993 1950
Number produced 21 units 6635 units
Average unit price $750 million $2 million
Wing area 478.0 m² 60.8 m²
Wingspan 52.0 m 21.5 m
Height 5.0 m 6.7 m
Length 21.0 m 17.7 m
Maximum speed 972 km/h 900 km/h
Operational range 11,000 km 2,180 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 12,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 170,200 kg 21,000 kg
Empty weight 71,668 kg 11,890 kg
Total thrust 4 x 7,847 kgf 2 x 2,700 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-2 Spirit or Il-28 Beagle?
The B-2 Spirit is faster with a maximum speed of 972 km/h compared to the Il-28 Beagle's 900 km/h, a difference of 72 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-2 Spirit or Il-28 Beagle?
The B-2 Spirit has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the Il-28 Beagle's 2,180 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-2 Spirit or Il-28 Beagle?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Il-28 Beagle's 12,300 meters (40,354 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-2 Spirit or Il-28 Beagle?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170,200 kg compared to the Il-28 Beagle's 21,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-2 Spirit or Il-28 Beagle?
The B-2 Spirit is longer at 21.0 meters compared to the Il-28 Beagle's 17.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-2 Spirit or Il-28 Beagle?
The B-2 Spirit is more expensive at approximately $750 million per unit compared to the Il-28 Beagle at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the B-2 Spirit or Il-28 Beagle?
The Il-28 Beagle entered service first in 1950, 43 years before the B-2 Spirit which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-2 Spirit or Il-28 Beagle?
The Il-28 Beagle has been produced in greater numbers with 6,635 units compared to 21 units of the B-2 Spirit.