A-4 Skyhawk vs F-5 Freedom Fighter

American light attack jet, extensively deployed in the Vietnam War, notable for carrier-based operations and close air support roles.
Picture of A-4 Skyhawk
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 light fighter of Cold War era, notable for worldwide deployment, used extensively in Vietnam and various regional conflicts.
Picture of F-5 Freedom Fighter
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop
First flight 30 July 1959
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 1204 units
Average unit price $2 million
Wing area 24.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 8.4 m â—‰
Height 4.6 m â—‰
Length 12.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1077 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,867 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,880 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,136 kg â—‰
Empty weight 4,750 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,100 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
Wing area 17.3 m² ◉
Wingspan 8.1 m â—‰
Height 4.1 m â—‰
Length 14.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1700 km/h â—‰
Operational range 891 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,789 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,187 kg â—‰
Empty weight 4,349 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,176 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of A-4 Skyhawk by US Marine Corps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter is faster with a maximum speed of 1,700 km/h compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 1,077 km/h, a difference of 623 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The A-4 Skyhawk has a longer range at 1,867 km compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 891 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a higher service ceiling at 15,789 meters (51,801 ft) compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12,880 meters (42,257 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,187 kg compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 11,136 kg.
Which is larger, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter is longer at 14.4 meters compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the A-4 Skyhawk at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The A-4 Skyhawk entered service first in 1956, 9 years before the F-5 Freedom Fighter which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The A-4 Skyhawk has been produced in greater numbers with 2,960 units compared to 1,204 units of the F-5 Freedom Fighter.