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F-117 Nighthawk vs M-4 Bison

F-117 Nighthawk vs M-4 Bison at a glance — top speed 993 vs 947 km/h, range 1,720 vs 5,600 km, max takeoff weight 25,000 vs 181,500 kg, built 64 vs 123 units.

Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-117 Nighthawk
Myasishchev M-4 Bison bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 M-4 Bison
Specifications
F-117 Nighthawk M-4 Bison
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Lockheed Myasishchev
First flight 18 June 1981 20 January 1953
Year introduced 1983 1953
Number produced 64 units 123 units
Average unit price $45 million $8 million
Wing area 73.0 m² 326.4 m²
Wingspan 13.2 m 50.5 m
Height 3.8 m 14.1 m
Length 20.1 m 47.2 m
Maximum speed 993 km/h 947 km/h
Operational range 1,720 km 5,600 km
Service ceiling 21,031 m 11,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 25,000 kg 181,500 kg
Empty weight 13,380 kg 79,700 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,781 kgf 4 x 9,525 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-117 Nighthawk or M-4 Bison?
The F-117 Nighthawk is faster with a maximum speed of 993 km/h compared to the M-4 Bison's 947 km/h, a difference of 46 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-117 Nighthawk or M-4 Bison?
The M-4 Bison has a longer range at 5,600 km compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,720 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-117 Nighthawk or M-4 Bison?
The F-117 Nighthawk has a higher service ceiling at 21,031 meters (68,999 ft) compared to the M-4 Bison's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-117 Nighthawk or M-4 Bison?
The M-4 Bison has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 181,500 kg compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.
Which is larger, the F-117 Nighthawk or M-4 Bison?
The M-4 Bison is longer at 47.2 meters compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 20.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-117 Nighthawk or M-4 Bison?
The F-117 Nighthawk is more expensive at approximately $45 million per unit compared to the M-4 Bison at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-117 Nighthawk or M-4 Bison?
The M-4 Bison entered service first in 1953, 30 years before the F-117 Nighthawk which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-117 Nighthawk or M-4 Bison?
The M-4 Bison has been produced in greater numbers with 123 units compared to 64 units of the F-117 Nighthawk.