Hughes H-4 Hercules vs Northrop YB-49
Top speed, range, size and history side by side. Each was built for its own job, so this shows how they differ, not which is better.
The Northrop YB-49 is faster: 793 km/h against 217 km/h for the Hughes H-4 Hercules. The Hughes H-4 Hercules flies further: 5,634 km against 2,600 km for the Northrop YB-49. The Hughes H-4 Hercules has the wider wingspan: 97.5 m against 52.4 m for the Northrop YB-49. The Hughes H-4 Hercules is heavier at takeoff: 136 tonnes against 89 tonnes for the Northrop YB-49. Both first flew in 1947.
| Hughes H-4 Hercules | Northrop YB-49 |
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| Top speed | 217 km/h (135 mph) | 793 km/h (493 mph) |
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| Range | 5,634 km (3,501 miles) | 2,600 km (1,616 miles) |
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| Length | 66.7 m (219 ft) | 16.2 m (53 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 97.5 m (320 ft) | 52.4 m (172 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 136 t (299,826 lb) | 89 t (195,107 lb) |
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| First flight | 1947 | 1947 |
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| Crew and capacity | Designed for 750 troops | 7 crew |
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| Engines | 8 × radial piston | 8 × Allison J35 turbojet |
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| Built by | Hughes Aircraft | Northrop |
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| Country | USA | USA |
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