A-10 Thunderbolt II vs F-4 Phantom II

The A-10 Thunderbolt II and the F-4 Phantom II are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Fairchild Republic and McDonnell respectively. The F-4 Phantom II reaches 2,370 km/h — 3.5x the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has an operational range of 463 km vs 680 km for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-4 Phantom II 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 5,195 for the F-4 Phantom II. Unit cost is $20M for the A-10 Thunderbolt II vs $3M for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-4 Phantom II first flew 14 years before the A-10 Thunderbolt II (1958 vs 1972).

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 🇺🇸 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 fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts.
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell
First flight 27 May 1958
Year introduced 1962
Number produced 5195 units
Average unit price $3 million
Wing area 47.0 m²
Wingspan 17.5 m
Height 4.5 m
Length 16.3 m
Maximum speed 675 km/h
Operational range 463 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m
Max. takeoff weight 22,680 kg
Empty weight 11,321 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,224 kgf
Wing area 49.2 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 5.0 m
Length 19.0 m
Maximum speed 2370 km/h
Operational range 680 km
Service ceiling 18,288 m
Max. takeoff weight 28,030 kg
Empty weight 13,757 kg
Total thrust 2 x 16,186 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II is faster with a maximum speed of 2,370 km/h compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h, a difference of 1,695 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a longer range at 680 km compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 463 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II 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-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 22,680 kg.
Which is larger, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 16.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-4 Phantom II?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is more expensive at approximately $20 million per unit compared to the F-4 Phantom II at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II entered service first in 1962, 13 years before the A-10 Thunderbolt II which entered service in 1975.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 716 units of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.