B-21 Raider vs F-117 Nighthawk

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 3.3x 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).

B-21 Raider

American stealth bomber, developed in the 21st century, renowned for advanced technologies and potential for pivotal strategic deployments.
Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman
First flight 10 November 2023
Year introduced 2027
Number produced 3 units
Average unit price $700 million
→ View full B-21 Raider 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-21 Raider

Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 40.0 m ◉
Height -- m
Length 16.0 m ◉
Maximum speed 1050 km/h ◉
Operational range 9,600 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 81,647 kg ◉
Empty weight 31,751 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 6,120 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-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.

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