B-2 Spirit vs Tu-160 Blackjack
Bombers ยท ๐บ๐ธ United States vs ๐ท๐บ Russia
The flying-wing stealth bomber that can reach any point on Earth with aerial refueling and is the only carrier of the 13-tonne GBU-57 bunker buster.
The heaviest and fastest supersonic bomber ever built, with swing wings and a cruise-missile bay. Russia restarted limited production in the 2020s.
Key differences
- Tu-160 Blackjack is faster: 2,220 vs 1,010 km/h (+120%).
- Tu-160 Blackjack flies farther: 12,300 vs 11,000 km (+12%).
- Tu-160 Blackjack is cheaper: ~$270M vs ~$2,100M per unit.
- Tu-160 Blackjack is far more numerous: 45+ built vs 21+.
- B-2 Spirit is the newer design (entered service 1997 vs 1987).
Specifications side by side
| B-2 Spirit | Tu-160 Blackjack | |
|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ United States | Country of origin | ๐ท๐บ Russia |
| 1997 | In service since | 1987 |
| 1,010 km/h | Top speed | 2,220 km/h |
| 11,000 km | Range | 12,300 km |
| 71.7 t | Weight | 110 t |
| 2 | Crew | 4 |
| 18 t of bombs: B61/B83 nuclear, GBU-57 MOP, JDAM | Armament | 45 t: 12ร Kh-101/102 cruise missiles in rotary launchers |
| ~$2,100M | Unit cost | ~$270M |
| 21+ | Units built | 45+ |
Tables compare stated specifications; real combat outcomes depend on crew training, situation, support and rules of engagement โ not stats alone.