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A-10 Thunderbolt II vs F-16 Fighting Falcon

Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-10 Thunderbolt II
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-16 Fighting Falcon
Change comparison vs
Specifications
A-10 Thunderbolt II F-16 Fighting Falcon
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Fairchild Republic General Dynamics
First flight 10 May 1972 2 February 1974
Year introduced 1975 1979
Number produced 716 units 4604 units
Average unit price $20 million $75 million
Wing area 47.0 m² 27.9 m²
Wingspan 17.5 m 10.0 m
Height 4.5 m 4.9 m
Length 16.3 m 15.1 m
Maximum speed 675 km/h 2410 km/h
Operational range 463 km 546 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m 18,288 m
Max. takeoff weight 22,680 kg 19,200 kg
Empty weight 11,321 kg 8,570 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,112 kgf 1 x 7,777 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-10 Thunderbolt II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Fairchild Republic and General Dynamics respectively.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon reaches 2,410 km/h — 3.6x the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has an operational range of 463 km vs 546 km for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The F-16 Fighting Falcon operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 13,716 m for the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II has been produced in 716 units vs 4,604 for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Unit cost is $20M for the A-10 Thunderbolt II vs $75M for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The A-10 Thunderbolt II first flew 2 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon (1972 vs 1974).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h, a difference of 1,735 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a longer range at 546 km compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 463 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 13,716 meters (45,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 22,680 kg compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 19,200 kg.
Which is larger, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is longer at 16.3 meters compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 15.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II at $20 million.
Which entered service first, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II entered service first in 1975, 4 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon which entered service in 1979.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 716 units of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.