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F-117 Nighthawk vs Tu-160 Blackjack

Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-117 Nighthawk
Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack bombers side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-160 Blackjack
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Specifications
F-117 Nighthawk Tu-160 Blackjack
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Bombers Bombers
Manufacturer Lockheed Tupolev
First flight 18 June 1981 19 December 1981
Year introduced 1983 1987
Number produced 64 units 37 units
Average unit price $45 million $250 million
Wing area 73.0 m² 232.0 m²
Wingspan 13.2 m 55.7 m
Height 3.8 m 13.1 m
Length 20.1 m 54.1 m
Maximum speed 993 km/h 2220 km/h
Operational range 1,720 km 12,300 km
Service ceiling 21,031 m 16,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 25,000 kg 274,877 kg
Empty weight 13,380 kg 109,769 kg
Total thrust 2 x 2,391 kgf 4 x 3,504 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The F-117 Nighthawk and the Tu-160 Blackjack are both Bombers, manufactured by Lockheed and Tupolev respectively.

The Tu-160 Blackjack reaches 2,220 km/h — 2.2x the F-117 Nighthawk's 993 km/h. The F-117 Nighthawk has an operational range of 1,720 km vs 12,300 km for the Tu-160 Blackjack. The F-117 Nighthawk operates at altitudes up to 21,031 m compared to 16,000 m for the Tu-160 Blackjack. At 274,877 kg MTOW, the Tu-160 Blackjack is 11:1 the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.

The F-117 Nighthawk has been produced in 64 units vs 37 for the Tu-160 Blackjack. Unit cost is $45M for the F-117 Nighthawk vs $250M for the Tu-160 Blackjack.

Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is faster with a maximum speed of 2,220 km/h compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 993 km/h, a difference of 1,227 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a longer range at 12,300 km compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,720 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The F-117 Nighthawk has a higher service ceiling at 21,031 meters (68,999 ft) compared to the Tu-160 Blackjack's 16,000 meters (52,493 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 274,877 kg compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.
Which is larger, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is longer at 54.1 meters compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 20.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The Tu-160 Blackjack is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the F-117 Nighthawk at $45 million.
Which entered service first, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The F-117 Nighthawk entered service first in 1983, 4 years before the Tu-160 Blackjack which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-117 Nighthawk or Tu-160 Blackjack?
The F-117 Nighthawk has been produced in greater numbers with 64 units compared to 37 units of the Tu-160 Blackjack.