Alphajet vs Lightning
Overview
The Alphajet and the Lightning are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Dassault-Bréguet/Dornier and English Electric respectively.
The Lightning reaches 2,414 km/h — 2.4x the Alphajet's 1,000 km/h. The Alphajet has an operational range of 1,095 km vs 1,367 km for the Lightning. The Lightning operates at altitudes up to 16,459 m compared to 14,630 m for the Alphajet. At 20,752 kg MTOW, the Lightning is 2.8x the Alphajet's 7,500 kg.
The Alphajet has been produced in 480 units vs 337 for the Lightning. Unit cost is $8M for the Alphajet vs $2M for the Lightning. The Lightning first flew 19 years before the Alphajet (1954 vs 1973).
| French-German trainer jet, known for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pilot training, used particularly from late 1970s onward. | |
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| Origin country | 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Dassault-Bréguet/Dornier |
| First flight | 26 October 1973 |
| Year introduced | 1978 |
| Number produced | 480 units |
| Average unit price | $8 million |
| British interceptor aircraft, recognized for Cold War era service, extensively deployed for high speed, high altitude defensive roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | English Electric |
| First flight | 4 August 1954 |
| Year introduced | 1960 |
| Number produced | 337 units |
| Average unit price | $2 million |
| Wing area | 17.5 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 9.1 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.2 m â—‰ |
| Length | 13.2 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 1000 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,095 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 14,630 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 7,500 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 3,515 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 1,350 kgf â—‰ |
| Wing area | 44.1 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 10.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 6.0 m â—‰ |
| Length | 16.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 2414 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,367 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 16,459 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 20,752 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 14,092 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 5,684 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Alphajet or Lightning?
The Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the Alphajet's 1,000 km/h, a difference of 1,414 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Alphajet or Lightning?
The Lightning has a longer range at 1,367 km compared to the Alphajet's 1,095 km.
Which can fly higher, the Alphajet or Lightning?
The Lightning has a higher service ceiling at 16,459 meters (53,999 ft) compared to the Alphajet's 14,630 meters (47,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the Alphajet or Lightning?
The Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the Alphajet's 7,500 kg.
Which is larger, the Alphajet or Lightning?
The Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the Alphajet's 13.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Alphajet or Lightning?
The Alphajet is more expensive at approximately $8.0 million per unit compared to the Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Alphajet or Lightning?
The Lightning entered service first in 1960, 18 years before the Alphajet which entered service in 1978.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Alphajet or Lightning?
The Alphajet has been produced in greater numbers with 480 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.