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B-2 Spirit vs Tu-4 Bull

B-2 Spirit vs Tu-4 Bull at a glance — top speed 972 vs 558 km/h, range 11,000 vs 5,400 km, max takeoff weight 170,200 vs 63,600 kg, built 21 vs 847 units.

Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-2 Spirit
Tupolev Tu-4 Bull bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-4 Bull
Specifications
B-2 Spirit Tu-4 Bull
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Tupolev
First flight 17 July 1989 19 May 1947
Year introduced 1993 1949
Number produced 21 units 847 units
Average unit price $750 million --
Wing area 478.0 m² 161.7 m²
Wingspan 52.0 m 43.1 m
Height 5.0 m 8.5 m
Length 21.0 m 30.2 m
Maximum speed 972 km/h 558 km/h
Operational range 11,000 km 5,400 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 11,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 170,200 kg 63,600 kg
Empty weight 71,668 kg 36,850 kg
Total thrust 4 x 7,847 kgf 4 x 1,790 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-4 Bull?
The B-2 Spirit is faster with a maximum speed of 972 km/h compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 558 km/h, a difference of 414 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-4 Bull?
The B-2 Spirit has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 5,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-4 Bull?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 11,200 meters (36,745 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-4 Bull?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170,200 kg compared to the Tu-4 Bull's 63,600 kg.
Which is larger, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-4 Bull is longer at 30.2 meters compared to the B-2 Spirit's 21.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-4 Bull entered service first in 1949, 44 years before the B-2 Spirit which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-2 Spirit or Tu-4 Bull?
The Tu-4 Bull has been produced in greater numbers with 847 units compared to 21 units of the B-2 Spirit.