Our numbers
Derived metrics
Computed by aircraft.fyi from the core specification — see how we calculate these.
Range per tonne#30 of 65
65.1 km/t maximum range ÷ MTOW in tonnes
Span-to-length ratio#1 of 68
2.49 wingspan ÷ fuselage length
Weight per metre#1 of 68
8.11 t/m MTOW ÷ fuselage length
Range in hours#18 of 65
11.0 h maximum range ÷ cruise speed
Sense of scale
How big is it, really?
The Northrop B-2 Spirit's wingspan, against things you already know the size of.
Specification
The numbers
| Length | 21.03 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 52.43 m |
| Height | 5.18 m |
| MTOW | 170,600 kg |
| Max speed | 1,010 km/h |
| Range | 11,100 km |
| Crew | 2 |
| First flight | 1989 |
| Built | 21 |
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Last verified: 2026-07-20 · Spot an error? business@luck.fyi
The story
What makes it different
Twenty-one built at roughly $2bn each. The tailless flying wing has no vertical surfaces at all, which is what makes it near-invisible to radar.
Against a 52.43 m wingspan the Spirit carries 170,600 kg at maximum takeoff weight and reaches 1,010 km/h. First flight was 1989, and 21 were built.
A note on the numbers: Range is the rounded official USAF figure; exact performance is classified.
Common questions
Northrop B-2 Spirit — the short answers
How fast is the Northrop B-2 Spirit?
The Northrop B-2 Spirit cruises at about 1,010 km/h — roughly 545 knots, or 628 mph.
How far can the Northrop B-2 Spirit fly?
The Northrop B-2 Spirit has a maximum range of about 11,100 km (5,994 nautical miles, 6,899 miles). At its cruise speed that is roughly 11.0 hours in the air.
Is the Northrop B-2 Spirit still in production?
Status: Out of production (2000) — in service. The Northrop B-2 Spirit first flew in 1989, and about 21 have been built.
How big is the Northrop B-2 Spirit?
The Northrop B-2 Spirit is 21.03 m long with a wingspan of 52.43 m and a height of 5.18 m. Its maximum takeoff weight is 170,600 kg.
Variants
The Northrop B-2 Spirit line
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Sources
Primary sources
Further reading