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A-4 Skyhawk vs F-86 Sabre

A-4 Skyhawk vs F-86 Sabre at a glance — top speed 1,077 vs 1,127 km/h, range 4,063 vs 2,454 km, max takeoff weight 11,136 vs 9,621 kg, built 2,960 vs 9,860 units.

McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-4 Skyhawk
North American F-86 Sabre combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-86 Sabre
Specifications
A-4 Skyhawk F-86 Sabre
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas North American
First flight 22 June 1954 1 October 1947
Year introduced 1956 1949
Number produced 2960 units 9860 units
Average unit price $2 million $1.2 million
Wing area 24.2 m² 28.1 m²
Wingspan 8.4 m 11.3 m
Height 4.6 m 4.4 m
Length 12.2 m 11.4 m
Maximum speed 1077 km/h 1127 km/h
Operational range 4,063 km 2,454 km
Service ceiling 12,880 m 15,850 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,136 kg 9,621 kg
Empty weight 4,750 kg 5,443 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,100 kgf 1 x 3,402 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre is faster with a maximum speed of 1,127 km/h compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 1,077 km/h, a difference of 50 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-86 Sabre?
The A-4 Skyhawk has a longer range at 4,063 km compared to the F-86 Sabre's 2,454 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has a higher service ceiling at 15,850 meters (52,001 ft) compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12,880 meters (42,257 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-86 Sabre?
The A-4 Skyhawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,136 kg compared to the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg.
Which is larger, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-86 Sabre?
The A-4 Skyhawk is longer at 12.2 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-86 Sabre?
The A-4 Skyhawk is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the F-86 Sabre at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 7 years before the A-4 Skyhawk which entered service in 1956.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-4 Skyhawk or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has been produced in greater numbers with 9,860 units compared to 2,960 units of the A-4 Skyhawk.