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A-4 Skyhawk vs F-4 Phantom II

McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-4 Skyhawk
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-4 Phantom II
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Specifications
A-4 Skyhawk F-4 Phantom II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas McDonnell
First flight 22 June 1954 27 May 1958
Year introduced 1956 1962
Number produced 2960 units 5195 units
Average unit price $2 million $3 million
Wing area 24.2 m² 49.2 m²
Wingspan 8.4 m 11.7 m
Height 4.6 m 5.0 m
Length 12.2 m 19.0 m
Maximum speed 1077 km/h 2370 km/h
Operational range 1,867 km 680 km
Service ceiling 12,880 m 18,288 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,136 kg 28,030 kg
Empty weight 4,750 kg 13,757 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,100 kgf 2 x 8,093 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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).

Related Comparisons
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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.