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Alpha Jet vs F-104 Starfighter

Alpha Jet vs F-104 Starfighter at a glance — top speed 1,000 vs 2,500 km/h, range 2,940 vs 2,623 km, max takeoff weight 7,500 vs 13,170 kg, built 480 vs 2,578 units.

Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷 Alpha Jet
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-104 Starfighter
Specifications
Alpha Jet F-104 Starfighter
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault/Dornier Lockheed
First flight 26 October 1973 4 March 1954
Year introduced 1978 1958
Number produced 480 units 2578 units
Average unit price $8 million $1.4 million
Wing area 17.5 m² 18.2 m²
Wingspan 9.1 m 6.4 m
Height 4.2 m 4.1 m
Length 13.2 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 1000 km/h 2500 km/h
Operational range 2,940 km 2,623 km
Service ceiling 14,630 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 7,500 kg 13,170 kg
Empty weight 3,515 kg 6,350 kg
Total thrust 2 x 2,700 kgf 1 x 7,076 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Alpha Jet or F-104 Starfighter?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the Alpha Jet's 1,000 km/h, a difference of 1,500 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Alpha Jet or F-104 Starfighter?
The Alpha Jet has a longer range at 2,940 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 2,623 km.
Which can fly higher, the Alpha Jet or F-104 Starfighter?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Alpha Jet's 14,630 meters (47,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the Alpha Jet or F-104 Starfighter?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,170 kg compared to the Alpha Jet's 7,500 kg.
Which is larger, the Alpha Jet or F-104 Starfighter?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the Alpha Jet's 13.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Alpha Jet or F-104 Starfighter?
The Alpha Jet is more expensive at approximately $8.0 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the Alpha Jet or F-104 Starfighter?
The F-104 Starfighter entered service first in 1958, 20 years before the Alpha Jet which entered service in 1978.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Alpha Jet or F-104 Starfighter?
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,578 units compared to 480 units of the Alpha Jet.