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Alpha Jet vs F-16 Fighting Falcon

Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷 Alpha Jet
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-16 Fighting Falcon
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Specifications
Alpha Jet F-16 Fighting Falcon
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault/Dornier General Dynamics
First flight 26 October 1973 2 February 1974
Year introduced 1978 1979
Number produced 480 units 4604 units
Average unit price $8 million $75 million
Wing area 17.5 m² 27.9 m²
Wingspan 9.1 m 10.0 m
Height 4.2 m 4.9 m
Length 13.2 m 15.1 m
Maximum speed 1000 km/h 2410 km/h
Operational range 1,095 km 546 km
Service ceiling 14,630 m 18,288 m
Max. takeoff weight 7,500 kg 19,200 kg
Empty weight 3,515 kg 8,570 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,350 kgf 1 x 7,777 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Alpha Jet and the F-16 Fighting Falcon are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Dassault/Dornier and General Dynamics respectively.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon reaches 2,410 km/h — 2.4x the Alpha Jet's 1,000 km/h. The Alpha Jet has an operational range of 1,095 km vs 546 km for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The F-16 Fighting Falcon operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 14,630 m for the Alpha Jet. At 19,200 kg MTOW, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is 2.6x the Alpha Jet's 7,500 kg.

The Alpha Jet has been produced in 480 units vs 4,604 for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Unit cost is $8M for the Alpha Jet vs $75M for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The Alpha Jet first flew 1 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon (1973 vs 1974).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Alpha Jet or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the Alpha Jet's 1,000 km/h, a difference of 1,410 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Alpha Jet or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The Alpha Jet has a longer range at 1,095 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the Alpha Jet or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the Alpha Jet's 14,630 meters (47,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the Alpha Jet or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,200 kg compared to the Alpha Jet's 7,500 kg.
Which is larger, the Alpha Jet or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is longer at 15.1 meters compared to the Alpha Jet's 13.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Alpha Jet or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the Alpha Jet at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Alpha Jet or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The Alpha Jet entered service first in 1978, 1 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon which entered service in 1979.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Alpha Jet or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 480 units of the Alpha Jet.