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B-52 Stratofortress vs F-117 Nighthawk

B-52 Stratofortress vs F-117 Nighthawk at a glance — top speed 1,000 vs 993 km/h, range 14,200 vs 1,720 km, max takeoff weight 220,000 vs 25,000 kg, built 744 vs 64 units.

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-52 Stratofortress
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-117 Nighthawk
Specifications
B-52 Stratofortress F-117 Nighthawk
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Boeing Lockheed
First flight 15 April 1952 18 June 1981
Year introduced 1955 1983
Number produced 744 units 64 units
Average unit price $9.3 million $45 million
Wing area 370.0 m² 73.0 m²
Wingspan 56.4 m 13.2 m
Height 12.4 m 3.8 m
Length 48.5 m 20.1 m
Maximum speed 1000 km/h 993 km/h
Operational range 14,200 km 1,720 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 21,031 m
Max. takeoff weight 220,000 kg 25,000 kg
Empty weight 83,250 kg 13,380 kg
Total thrust 8 x 7,747 kgf 2 x 4,781 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-52 Stratofortress or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-52 Stratofortress is faster with a maximum speed of 1,000 km/h compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 993 km/h, a difference of 7 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-52 Stratofortress or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a longer range at 14,200 km compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,720 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-52 Stratofortress or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk has a higher service ceiling at 21,031 meters (68,999 ft) compared to the B-52 Stratofortress's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-52 Stratofortress or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 220,000 kg compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-52 Stratofortress or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-52 Stratofortress is longer at 48.5 meters compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 20.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-52 Stratofortress or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk is more expensive at approximately $45 million per unit compared to the B-52 Stratofortress at $9.3 million.
Which entered service first, the B-52 Stratofortress or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-52 Stratofortress entered service first in 1955, 28 years before the F-117 Nighthawk which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-52 Stratofortress or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-52 Stratofortress has been produced in greater numbers with 744 units compared to 64 units of the F-117 Nighthawk.