GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

B-29 Superfortress vs B-52 Stratofortress

B-29 Superfortress vs B-52 Stratofortress at a glance — top speed 575 vs 1,000 km/h, range 5,230 vs 14,200 km, max takeoff weight 60,555 vs 220,000 kg, built 3,970 vs 744 units.

Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-29 SuperfortressFull specs
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-52 StratofortressFull specs
Specifications
B-29 Superfortress B-52 Stratofortress
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 21 September 1942 15 April 1952
Year introduced 1944 1955
Number produced 3970 units 744 units
Average unit price $640K $9.3 million
Wing area 161.3 m² 370.0 m²
Wingspan 43.1 m 56.4 m
Height 8.5 m 12.4 m
Length 30.2 m 48.5 m
Maximum speed 575 km/h 1000 km/h
Operational range 5,230 km 14,200 km
Service ceiling 9,710 m 15,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 60,555 kg 220,000 kg
Empty weight 33,793 kg 83,250 kg
Total thrust 4 x 1,640 kW 8 x 7,747 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Explore further
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide US Aircraft Designations
B-52 Stratofortress vs B-1B Lancer B-52 Stratofortress vs Tu-95 Bear B-29 Superfortress vs Pe-2 Buck B-29 Superfortress vs Il-28 Beagle B-29 Superfortress vs Tu-2 Bat B-29 Superfortress vs B-47 Stratojet

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-29 Superfortress or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress is faster with a maximum speed of 1,000 km/h compared to the B-29 Superfortress's 575 km/h, a difference of 425 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-29 Superfortress or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a longer range at 14,200 km compared to the B-29 Superfortress's 5,230 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-29 Superfortress or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the B-29 Superfortress's 9,710 meters (31,856 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-29 Superfortress or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 220,000 kg compared to the B-29 Superfortress's 60,555 kg.
Which is larger, the B-29 Superfortress or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress is longer at 48.5 meters compared to the B-29 Superfortress's 30.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-29 Superfortress or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-52 Stratofortress is more expensive at approximately $9.3 million per unit compared to the B-29 Superfortress at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the B-29 Superfortress or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-29 Superfortress entered service first in 1944, 11 years before the B-52 Stratofortress which entered service in 1955.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-29 Superfortress or B-52 Stratofortress?
The B-29 Superfortress has been produced in greater numbers with 3,970 units compared to 744 units of the B-52 Stratofortress.