GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

F-117 Nighthawk vs SR-71 Blackbird

F-117 Nighthawk vs SR-71 Blackbird at a glance — top speed 1,101 vs 3,541 km/h, range 1,720 vs 5,230 km, max takeoff weight 25,000 vs 78,018 kg, built 64 vs 32 units.

Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-117 NighthawkFull specs
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SR-71 BlackbirdFull specs
Specifications
F-117 Nighthawk SR-71 Blackbird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Lockheed
First flight 18 June 1981 22 December 1964
Year introduced 1982 1966
Number produced 64 units 32 units
Average unit price $45 million $185 million
Wing area 73.0 m² 167.0 m²
Wingspan 13.2 m 17.0 m
Height 3.8 m 5.7 m
Length 20.1 m 32.8 m
Maximum speed 1101 km/h 3541 km/h
Operational range 1,720 km 5,230 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight 25,000 kg 78,018 kg
Empty weight 13,380 kg 30,617 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,781 kgf 2 x 15,422 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Explore further
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide US Aircraft Designations
SR-71 Blackbird vs U-2 Dragon Lady F-117 Nighthawk vs H-5 F-117 Nighthawk vs Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire F-117 Nighthawk vs Tu-22 Blinder F-117 Nighthawk vs B-1B Lancer F-117 Nighthawk vs Tu-160 Blackjack

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-117 Nighthawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,101 km/h, a difference of 2,440 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-117 Nighthawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a longer range at 5,230 km compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,720 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-117 Nighthawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 13,716 meters (45,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-117 Nighthawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.
Which is larger, the F-117 Nighthawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 20.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-117 Nighthawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is more expensive at approximately $185 million per unit compared to the F-117 Nighthawk at $45 million.
Which entered service first, the F-117 Nighthawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird entered service first in 1966, 16 years before the F-117 Nighthawk which entered service in 1982.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-117 Nighthawk or SR-71 Blackbird?
The F-117 Nighthawk has been produced in greater numbers with 64 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.