A-4 Skyhawk vs F-4 Phantom II

The A-4 Skyhawk and the F-4 Phantom II are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and McDonnell respectively. The F-4 Phantom II reaches 2,370 km/h — 2.2x the A-4 Skyhawk's 1,077 km/h. The A-4 Skyhawk has an operational range of 1,867 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 12,880 m for the A-4 Skyhawk. At 28,030 kg MTOW, the F-4 Phantom II is 2.5x the A-4 Skyhawk's 11,136 kg. The A-4 Skyhawk has been produced in 2,960 units vs 5,195 for the F-4 Phantom II. Unit cost is $2M for the A-4 Skyhawk vs $3M for the F-4 Phantom II. The A-4 Skyhawk first flew 4 years before the F-4 Phantom II (1954 vs 1958).

American light attack jet, extensively deployed in the Vietnam War, notable for carrier-based operations and close air support roles.
McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 22 June 1954
Year introduced 1956
Number produced 2960 units
Average unit price $2 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 24.2 m²
Wingspan 8.4 m
Height 4.6 m
Length 12.2 m
Maximum speed 1077 km/h
Operational range 1,867 km
Service ceiling 12,880 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,136 kg
Empty weight 4,750 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,100 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-4 Skyhawk 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-4 Skyhawk's 1,077 km/h, a difference of 1,293 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-4 Phantom II?
The A-4 Skyhawk has a longer range at 1,867 km compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-4 Skyhawk 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-4 Skyhawk's 12,880 meters (42,257 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 11,136 kg.
Which is larger, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II is more expensive at approximately $3.0 million per unit compared to the A-4 Skyhawk at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-4 Phantom II?
The A-4 Skyhawk entered service first in 1956, 6 years before the F-4 Phantom II which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 2,960 units of the A-4 Skyhawk.