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A-10 Thunderbolt II vs F-16 Fighting Falcon

A-10 Thunderbolt II vs F-16 Fighting Falcon at a glance — top speed 675 vs 2,178 km/h, range 4,150 vs 4,217 km, max takeoff weight 22,680 vs 19,200 kg, built 716 vs 4,604 units.

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
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 $12.1 million $18.8 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 2178 km/h
Operational range 4,150 km 4,217 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 22,680 kg 19,200 kg
Empty weight 11,321 kg 8,570 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,224 kgf 1 x 12,701 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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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 2,178 km/h compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h, a difference of 1,503 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 4,217 km compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 4,150 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 15,240 meters (50,000 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 $19 million per unit compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II at $12 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.