B-1B Lancer vs F-117 Nighthawk

Overview

The B-1B Lancer and the F-117 Nighthawk are both Bombers, manufactured by Rockwell and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 1,448 km/h for the B-1B Lancer vs 993 km/h for the F-117 Nighthawk. The B-1B Lancer has an operational range of 9,400 km vs 1,720 km for the F-117 Nighthawk. The F-117 Nighthawk operates at altitudes up to 21,031 m compared to 18,000 m for the B-1B Lancer. At 216,400 kg MTOW, the B-1B Lancer is 8.7x the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.

The B-1B Lancer has been produced in 104 units vs 64 for the F-117 Nighthawk. Unit cost is $283M for the B-1B Lancer vs $45M for the F-117 Nighthawk. The F-117 Nighthawk first flew 2 years before the B-1B Lancer (1981 vs 1983).

B-1B Lancer

American strategic bomber, designed during the Cold War, notably deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan for long-range heavy bombing.
Rockwell B-1B Lancer Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Rockwell
First flight 23 March 1983
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 104 units
Average unit price $283 million
→ View full B-1B Lancer details

F-117 Nighthawk

American stealth attack aircraft, prominent in 1980s-2000s, notorious for service in Gulf War and Operation Allied Force.
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 18 June 1981
Year introduced 1983
Number produced 64 units
Average unit price $45 million
→ View full F-117 Nighthawk details

B-1B Lancer

Wing area 181.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 41.8 m ◉
Height 10.4 m ◉
Length 44.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 1448 km/h ◉
Operational range 9,400 km ◉
Service ceiling 18,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 216,400 kg ◉
Empty weight 87,100 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 1,644 kgf ◉

F-117 Nighthawk

Wing area 73.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.2 m ◉
Height 3.8 m ◉
Length 20.1 m ◉
Maximum speed 993 km/h ◉
Operational range 1,720 km ◉
Service ceiling 21,031 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 25,000 kg ◉
Empty weight 13,380 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 2,391 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer is faster with a maximum speed of 1,448 km/h compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 993 km/h, a difference of 455 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer has a longer range at 9,400 km compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,720 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk has a higher service ceiling at 21,031 meters (68,999 ft) compared to the B-1B Lancer's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 216,400 kg compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer is longer at 44.5 meters compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 20.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer is more expensive at approximately $283 million per unit compared to the F-117 Nighthawk at $45 million.
Which entered service first, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk entered service first in 1983, 3 years before the B-1B Lancer which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-1B Lancer or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-1B Lancer has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 64 units of the F-117 Nighthawk.

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