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Alpha Jet vs F-104 Starfighter

Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷 Alpha Jet
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-104 Starfighter
Change comparison vs
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 1,095 km 680 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 1,350 kgf 1 x 4,536 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Alpha Jet and the F-104 Starfighter are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Dassault/Dornier and Lockheed respectively.

The F-104 Starfighter reaches 2,500 km/h — 2.5x the Alpha Jet's 1,000 km/h. The Alpha Jet has an operational range of 1,095 km vs 680 km for the F-104 Starfighter. The F-104 Starfighter operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 14,630 m for the Alpha Jet.

The Alpha Jet has been produced in 480 units vs 2,578 for the F-104 Starfighter. Unit cost is $8M for the Alpha Jet vs $1.4M for the F-104 Starfighter. The F-104 Starfighter first flew 19 years before the Alpha Jet (1954 vs 1973).

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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 1,095 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 680 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.