B-2 Spirit vs Tu-16 Badger

The B-2 Spirit and the Tu-16 Badger are both Bombers, manufactured by Northrop and Tupolev respectively. Top speed is 972 km/h for the B-2 Spirit vs 1,050 km/h for the Tu-16 Badger. The B-2 Spirit has an operational range of 11,000 km vs 7,200 km for the Tu-16 Badger. The B-2 Spirit operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 12,800 m for the Tu-16 Badger. At 170,200 kg MTOW, the B-2 Spirit is 2.2x the Tu-16 Badger's 79,000 kg. The B-2 Spirit has been produced in 21 units vs 1,509 for the Tu-16 Badger. Unit cost is $750M for the B-2 Spirit vs $6M for the Tu-16 Badger. The Tu-16 Badger first flew 37 years before the B-2 Spirit (1952 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
Soviet jet bomber, known for Cold War operations and extensive use in various international conflicts, including Middle-Eastern wars.
Tupolev Tu-16 Badger Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 27 April 1952
Year introduced 1954
Number produced 1509 units
Average unit price $6 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—‰
Wing area 165.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 33.0 m â—‰
Height 10.4 m â—‰
Length 34.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1050 km/h â—‰
Operational range 7,200 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,800 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 79,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 37,200 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 9,525 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-16 Badger?
The Tu-16 Badger 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 Tu-16 Badger?
The B-2 Spirit has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 7,200 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-16 Badger?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 12,800 meters (41,994 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-16 Badger?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170,200 kg compared to the Tu-16 Badger's 79,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-16 Badger?
The Tu-16 Badger 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 Tu-16 Badger?
The B-2 Spirit is more expensive at approximately $750 million per unit compared to the Tu-16 Badger at $6.0 million.
Which entered service first, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-16 Badger?
The Tu-16 Badger entered service first in 1954, 39 years before the B-2 Spirit which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-16 Badger?
The Tu-16 Badger has been produced in greater numbers with 1,509 units compared to 21 units of the B-2 Spirit.