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B-2 Spirit vs Tu-16 Badger

B-2 Spirit vs Tu-16 Badger at a glance — top speed 972 vs 1,050 km/h, range 11,000 vs 7,200 km, max takeoff weight 170,200 vs 79,000 kg, built 21 vs 1,509 units.

Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-2 Spirit
Tupolev Tu-16 Badger bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-16 Badger
Specifications
B-2 Spirit Tu-16 Badger
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Tupolev
First flight 17 July 1989 27 April 1952
Year introduced 1993 1954
Number produced 21 units 1509 units
Average unit price $750 million $6 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 7,200 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 12,800 m
Max. takeoff weight 170,200 kg 79,000 kg
Empty weight 71,668 kg 37,200 kg
Total thrust 4 x 7,847 kgf 2 x 9,525 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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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.