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B-1B Lancer vs B-21 Raider

Rockwell B-1B Lancer bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-1B Lancer
Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-21 Raider
Change comparison vs
Specifications
B-1B Lancer B-21 Raider
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell Northrop Grumman
First flight 23 March 1983 10 November 2023
Year introduced 1986 2027
Number produced 104 units 3 units
Average unit price $283 million $700 million
Wing area 181.2 m² -- m²
Wingspan 41.8 m 40.0 m
Height 10.4 m -- m
Length 44.5 m 16.0 m
Maximum speed 1448 km/h 1050 km/h
Operational range 9,400 km 9,600 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m 15,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 216,400 kg 81,647 kg
Empty weight 87,100 kg 31,751 kg
Total thrust 4 x 1,644 kgf 2 x 6,120 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The B-1B Lancer and the B-21 Raider are both Bombers, manufactured by Rockwell and Northrop Grumman respectively.

Top speed is 1,448 km/h for the B-1B Lancer vs 1,050 km/h for the B-21 Raider. The B-1B Lancer has an operational range of 9,400 km vs 9,600 km for the B-21 Raider. The B-1B Lancer operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 15,000 m for the B-21 Raider. At 216,400 kg MTOW, the B-1B Lancer is 2.7x the B-21 Raider's 81,647 kg.

The B-1B Lancer has been produced in 104 units vs 3 for the B-21 Raider. Unit cost is $283M for the B-1B Lancer vs $700M for the B-21 Raider. The B-1B Lancer first flew 40 years before the B-21 Raider (1983 vs 2023).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1B Lancer or B-21 Raider?
The B-1B Lancer is faster with a maximum speed of 1,448 km/h compared to the B-21 Raider's 1,050 km/h, a difference of 398 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1B Lancer or B-21 Raider?
The B-21 Raider has a longer range at 9,600 km compared to the B-1B Lancer's 9,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1B Lancer or B-21 Raider?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the B-21 Raider's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1B Lancer or B-21 Raider?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 216,400 kg compared to the B-21 Raider's 81,647 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1B Lancer or B-21 Raider?
The B-1B Lancer is longer at 44.5 meters compared to the B-21 Raider's 16.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1B Lancer or B-21 Raider?
The B-21 Raider is more expensive at approximately $700 million per unit compared to the B-1B Lancer at $283 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1B Lancer or B-21 Raider?
The B-1B Lancer entered service first in 1986, 41 years before the B-21 Raider which entered service in 2027.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1B Lancer or B-21 Raider?
The B-1B Lancer has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 3 units of the B-21 Raider.