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B-21 Raider vs F-35 Lightning II

Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-21 Raider
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning II
Change comparison vs
Specifications
B-21 Raider F-35 Lightning II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman Lockheed Martin
First flight 10 November 2023 15 December 2006
Year introduced 2027 2013
Number produced 3 units 965 units
Average unit price $700 million $85 million
Wing area -- m² 43.0 m²
Wingspan 40.0 m 11.0 m
Height -- m 4.4 m
Length 16.0 m 15.6 m
Maximum speed 1050 km/h 1960 km/h
Operational range 9,600 km 2,800 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 15,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 81,647 kg 27,216 kg
Empty weight 31,751 kg 14,651 kg
Total thrust 2 x 6,120 kgf 1 x 19,500 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The B-21 Raider is a Bombers built by Northrop Grumman, while the F-35 Lightning II is a Combat Aircraft by Lockheed Martin.

Top speed is 1,050 km/h for the B-21 Raider vs 1,960 km/h for the F-35 Lightning II. The B-21 Raider has an operational range of 9,600 km vs 2,800 km for the F-35 Lightning II. The B-21 Raider operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 15,000 m for the F-35 Lightning II. At 81,647 kg MTOW, the B-21 Raider is 3.0x the F-35 Lightning II's 27,216 kg.

The B-21 Raider has been produced in 3 units vs 965 for the F-35 Lightning II. Unit cost is $700M for the B-21 Raider vs $85M for the F-35 Lightning II. The F-35 Lightning II first flew 17 years before the B-21 Raider (2006 vs 2023).

Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-21 Raider or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the B-21 Raider's 1,050 km/h, a difference of 910 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-21 Raider or F-35 Lightning II?
The B-21 Raider has a longer range at 9,600 km compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 2,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-21 Raider or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the B-21 Raider's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-21 Raider or F-35 Lightning II?
The B-21 Raider has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 81,647 kg compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 27,216 kg.
Which is larger, the B-21 Raider or F-35 Lightning II?
The B-21 Raider is longer at 16.0 meters compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-21 Raider or F-35 Lightning II?
The B-21 Raider is more expensive at approximately $700 million per unit compared to the F-35 Lightning II at $85 million.
Which entered service first, the B-21 Raider or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II entered service first in 2013, 14 years before the B-21 Raider which entered service in 2027.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-21 Raider or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 3 units of the B-21 Raider.