Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit vs Tupolev Tu-160
Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit and Tupolev Tu-160 are both bomber, compared here on public specifications. The Tupolev Tu-160 leads on weapons payload (40,000 vs 18,144 kg). Several Russia-origin figures here are manufacturer or state claims with limited independent verification, so treat this comparison as directional.
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Full data
Full spec sheet
 Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit
Wins 1/7 |  Tupolev Tu-160
Wins 6/7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Max speed (km/h) | 1,010 km/h | 2,220 km/h ✓ |
| Max speed (Mach) (Mach) | N/A | 2.05 Mach |
| Cruise speed (km/h) | N/A | 917 km/h |
| Range (km) | 11,100 km | 12,300 km ✓ |
| Service ceiling (m) | 15,200 m ✓ | 15,000 m |
| Firepower | ||
| Hardpoints | N/A | 2 |
| Weapons payload (kg) | 18,144 kg | 40,000 kg ✓ |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 21 m | 54.1 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 71,700 kg | 110,000 kg |
| Combat weight (kg) | 170,600 kg | 267,600 kg |
| Crew | 2 | 4 |
| Propulsion | ||
| Thrust (kN) | 84 kN | 245 kN ✓ |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $2,130,000,000 | $250,000,000 ✓ |
| Units built | 21 | 35 ✓ |
| Operator countries | 1 | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit and Tupolev Tu-160? +
The Tupolev Tu-160 is the fastest of the 2 compared here, at 2,220 km/h.
Which has the longer range? +
The Tupolev Tu-160 has the longest range at 12,300 km.
Which carries the larger weapons payload? +
The Tupolev Tu-160 carries the largest weapons payload at 40,000 kg.
Which is cheaper? +
The Tupolev Tu-160 has the lower public unit-cost figure at 250,000,000 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Is the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit better than the Tupolev Tu-160? +
On the public specs we track, the Tupolev Tu-160 leads on 3 of 3 headline metrics, see the full spec sheet for the metric-by-metric breakdown.
Where does this comparison data come from? +
Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.