A-10 Thunderbolt II vs F-35 Lightning II

The A-10 Thunderbolt II and the F-35 Lightning II are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Fairchild Republic and Lockheed Martin respectively. The F-35 Lightning II reaches 1,960 km/h β€” 2.9x the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has an operational range of 463 km vs 2,800 km for the F-35 Lightning II. The F-35 Lightning II operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 13,716 m for the A-10 Thunderbolt II. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has been produced in 716 units vs 965 for the F-35 Lightning II. Unit cost is $20M for the A-10 Thunderbolt II vs $85M for the F-35 Lightning II. The A-10 Thunderbolt II first flew 34 years before the F-35 Lightning II (1972 vs 2006).

American close air support aircraft, renowned for service in the Gulf War with distinctive tank-destroying capabilities.
Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II Combat profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Fairchild Republic
First flight 10 May 1972
Year introduced 1975
Number produced 716 units
Average unit price $20 million
American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Combat profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 15 December 2006
Year introduced 2013
Number produced 965 units
Average unit price $85 million
Wing area 47.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 17.5 m β—‰
Height 4.5 m β—‰
Length 16.3 m β—‰
Maximum speed 675 km/h β—‰
Operational range 463 km β—‰
Service ceiling 13,716 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 22,680 kg β—‰
Empty weight 11,321 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 4,112 kgf β—‰
Wing area 43.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 11.0 m β—‰
Height 4.4 m β—‰
Length 15.6 m β—‰
Maximum speed 1960 km/h β—‰
Operational range 2,800 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg β—‰
Empty weight 14,651 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h, a difference of 1,285 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 463 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 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-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 22,680 kg.
Which is larger, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-35 Lightning II?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is longer at 16.3 meters compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II at $20 million.
Which entered service first, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-35 Lightning II?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II entered service first in 1975, 38 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 716 units of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.