B-52H:
Payload - 70,000 pounds
Max Takeoff Weight: 488,000 lbs
Speed - 650 mph (Mach 0.84)
Inventory (2024) – 76
B-1B
Payload - 75,000 pounds (125,000 w/ externals)
Max Takeoff Weight: 477,000 lbs
Speed – 900+ mph (Mach 1.2)
Inventory (2025) – 45
B-2
Payload - 40,000 pounds
Max Takeoff Weight: 376,000 lbs
Speed - 630 mph (Mach 0.95)
Inventory (2025) – 19
B-21
Payload - UNK
Max Takeoff Weight: 180,000 lbs
Speed – 0.8+
Inventory (2027) – 3
B-2 Max Takeoff Weight is 376,000 lbs and Payload of 40,000 pounds, which is roughly 10% of its TO weight.
Using that same ratio the B-21 would have about a 18 - 20,000 lbs payload.
They had better build a LOT of 'em.
The payload on the B2 you listed is now known to be incorrect. They just dropped two 30,000 bombs Iranian nuclear facilities.
B-17 Flying Fortress
Data (based on historical records):
• Payload: ~17,600 lbs (typical bomb load, varied by mission; max ~20,000 lbs)
• Max Takeoff Weight: 65,500 lbs
• Speed: ~287 mph (max speed, not Mach equivalent due to subsonic nature)
B-29 Superfortress
Data (based on historical records):
• Payload: ~20,000 lbs (typical bomb load; max ~22,000 lbs)
• Max Takeoff Weight: 133,500 lbs
• Speed: ~357 mph (max speed)
The B-21 Raider is expected to have a payload capacity of around 30,000 pounds, which is less than the B-2 Spirit’s 40,000-pound capacity. While smaller, the B-21 is designed to carry a wide range of advanced munitions, including nuclear bombs and precision-guided weapons. It’s also designed for stealth and adaptability, allowing it to deliver payloads effectively and efficiently.