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

B-2 Spirit vs M-4 Bison

B-2 Spirit vs M-4 Bison at a glance — top speed 972 vs 947 km/h, range 11,000 vs 5,600 km, max takeoff weight 170,200 vs 181,500 kg, built 21 vs 123 units.

Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-2 Spirit
Myasishchev M-4 Bison bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 M-4 Bison
Specifications
B-2 Spirit M-4 Bison
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Myasishchev
First flight 17 July 1989 20 January 1953
Year introduced 1993 1953
Number produced 21 units 123 units
Average unit price $750 million $8 million
Wing area 478.0 m² 326.4 m²
Wingspan 52.0 m 50.5 m
Height 5.0 m 14.1 m
Length 21.0 m 47.2 m
Maximum speed 972 km/h 947 km/h
Operational range 11,000 km 5,600 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 11,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 170,200 kg 181,500 kg
Empty weight 71,668 kg 79,700 kg
Total thrust 4 x 7,847 kgf 4 x 9,525 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide US Aircraft Designations Soviet and Russian 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 M-4 Bison?
The B-2 Spirit is faster with a maximum speed of 972 km/h compared to the M-4 Bison's 947 km/h, a difference of 25 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-2 Spirit or M-4 Bison?
The B-2 Spirit has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the M-4 Bison's 5,600 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-2 Spirit or M-4 Bison?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the M-4 Bison's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-2 Spirit or M-4 Bison?
The M-4 Bison has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 181,500 kg compared to the B-2 Spirit's 170,200 kg.
Which is larger, the B-2 Spirit or M-4 Bison?
The M-4 Bison is longer at 47.2 meters compared to the B-2 Spirit's 21.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-2 Spirit or M-4 Bison?
The B-2 Spirit is more expensive at approximately $750 million per unit compared to the M-4 Bison at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the B-2 Spirit or M-4 Bison?
The M-4 Bison entered service first in 1953, 40 years before the B-2 Spirit which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-2 Spirit or M-4 Bison?
The M-4 Bison has been produced in greater numbers with 123 units compared to 21 units of the B-2 Spirit.