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B-21 Raider vs F-117 Nighthawk

Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 B-21 Raider
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-117 Nighthawk
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Specifications
B-21 Raider F-117 Nighthawk
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman Lockheed
First flight 10 November 2023 18 June 1981
Year introduced 2027 1983
Number produced 3 units 64 units
Average unit price $700 million $45 million
Wing area -- m² 73.0 m²
Wingspan 40.0 m 13.2 m
Height -- m 3.8 m
Length 16.0 m 20.1 m
Maximum speed 1050 km/h 993 km/h
Operational range 9,600 km 1,720 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 21,031 m
Max. takeoff weight 81,647 kg 25,000 kg
Empty weight 31,751 kg 13,380 kg
Total thrust 2 x 12,240 kgf 2 x 4,781 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The B-21 Raider and the F-117 Nighthawk are both Bombers, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 1,050 km/h for the B-21 Raider vs 993 km/h for the F-117 Nighthawk. The B-21 Raider has an operational range of 9,600 km vs 1,720 km for the F-117 Nighthawk. The F-117 Nighthawk operates at altitudes up to 21,031 m compared to 15,000 m for the B-21 Raider. At 81,647 kg MTOW, the B-21 Raider is 3.3:1 the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.

The B-21 Raider has been produced in 3 units vs 64 for the F-117 Nighthawk. Unit cost is $700M for the B-21 Raider vs $45M for the F-117 Nighthawk. The F-117 Nighthawk first flew 42 years before the B-21 Raider (1981 vs 2023).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-21 Raider or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-21 Raider is faster with a maximum speed of 1,050 km/h compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 993 km/h, a difference of 57 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-21 Raider or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-21 Raider has a longer range at 9,600 km compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,720 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-21 Raider or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk has a higher service ceiling at 21,031 meters (68,999 ft) compared to the B-21 Raider's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-21 Raider or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-21 Raider has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 81,647 kg compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.
Which is larger, the B-21 Raider or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk is longer at 20.1 meters compared to the B-21 Raider's 16.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-21 Raider or F-117 Nighthawk?
The B-21 Raider is more expensive at approximately $700 million per unit compared to the F-117 Nighthawk at $45 million.
Which entered service first, the B-21 Raider or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk entered service first in 1983, 44 years before the B-21 Raider which entered service in 2027.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-21 Raider or F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 Nighthawk has been produced in greater numbers with 64 units compared to 3 units of the B-21 Raider.