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B-2 Spirit vs Vulcan

B-2 Spirit vs Vulcan at a glance — top speed 972 vs 1,039 km/h, range 11,000 vs 4,195 km, max takeoff weight 170,200 vs 77,111 kg, built 21 vs 134 units.

Northrop B-2 Spirit bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-2 Spirit
Avro Vulcan bombers side profile drawing
🇬🇧 Vulcan
Specifications
B-2 Spirit Vulcan
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Avro
First flight 17 July 1989 30 August 1952
Year introduced 1993 1956
Number produced 21 units 134 units
Average unit price $750 million --
Wing area 478.0 m² 330.2 m²
Wingspan 52.0 m 30.3 m
Height 5.0 m 8.1 m
Length 21.0 m 29.6 m
Maximum speed 972 km/h 1039 km/h
Operational range 11,000 km 4,195 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 17,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 170,200 kg 77,111 kg
Empty weight 71,668 kg 37,908 kg
Total thrust 4 x 7,847 kgf 4 x 49 kN
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-2 Spirit or Vulcan?
The Vulcan is faster with a maximum speed of 1,039 km/h compared to the B-2 Spirit's 972 km/h, a difference of 67 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-2 Spirit or Vulcan?
The B-2 Spirit has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the Vulcan's 4,195 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-2 Spirit or Vulcan?
The Vulcan has a higher service ceiling at 17,000 meters (55,774 ft) compared to the B-2 Spirit's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-2 Spirit or Vulcan?
The B-2 Spirit has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 170,200 kg compared to the Vulcan's 77,111 kg.
Which is larger, the B-2 Spirit or Vulcan?
The Vulcan is longer at 29.6 meters compared to the B-2 Spirit's 21.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the B-2 Spirit or Vulcan?
The Vulcan entered service first in 1956, 37 years before the B-2 Spirit which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-2 Spirit or Vulcan?
The Vulcan has been produced in greater numbers with 134 units compared to 21 units of the B-2 Spirit.