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A-4 Skyhawk vs Q-5 / A-5 Fantan

A-4 Skyhawk vs Q-5 / A-5 Fantan at a glance — top speed 1,077 vs 1,210 km/h, range 4,063 vs 2,000 km, max takeoff weight 11,136 vs 11,300 kg, built 2,960 vs 1,300 units.

McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-4 Skyhawk
Nanchang Q-5 / A-5 Fantan combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳 Q-5 / A-5 Fantan
Specifications
A-4 Skyhawk Q-5 / A-5 Fantan
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Nanchang
First flight 22 June 1954 4 June 1965
Year introduced 1956 1970
Number produced 2960 units 1300 units
Average unit price $2 million $3 million
Wing area 24.2 m² 27.9 m²
Wingspan 8.4 m 9.7 m
Height 4.6 m 4.3 m
Length 12.2 m 15.7 m
Maximum speed 1077 km/h 1210 km/h
Operational range 4,063 km 2,000 km
Service ceiling 12,880 m 16,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,136 kg 11,300 kg
Empty weight 4,750 kg 6,400 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,100 kgf 2 x 3,750 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-4 Skyhawk or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan is faster with a maximum speed of 1,210 km/h compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 1,077 km/h, a difference of 133 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-4 Skyhawk or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The A-4 Skyhawk has a longer range at 4,063 km compared to the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan's 2,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-4 Skyhawk or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan has a higher service ceiling at 16,500 meters (54,133 ft) compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12,880 meters (42,257 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-4 Skyhawk or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,300 kg compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 11,136 kg.
Which is larger, the A-4 Skyhawk or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan is longer at 15.7 meters compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-4 Skyhawk or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan 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 Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The A-4 Skyhawk entered service first in 1956, 14 years before the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-4 Skyhawk or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The A-4 Skyhawk has been produced in greater numbers with 2,960 units compared to 1,300 units of the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan.