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Atlas Cheetah vs F-16 Fighting Falcon

Atlas Cheetah vs F-16 Fighting Falcon at a glance — top speed 2,338 vs 2,178 km/h, range 2,600 vs 4,217 km, max takeoff weight 16,500 vs 19,200 kg, built 38 vs 4,604 units.

Atlas Cheetah combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇿🇦 Atlas Cheetah
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-16 Fighting Falcon
Specifications
Atlas Cheetah F-16 Fighting Falcon
Origin country 🇿🇦 South Africa 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Atlas General Dynamics
First flight 16 July 1986 2 February 1974
Year introduced 1986 1979
Number produced 38 units 4604 units
Average unit price -- $18.8 million
Wing area 34.8 m² 27.9 m²
Wingspan 8.2 m 10.0 m
Height 4.6 m 4.9 m
Length 15.7 m 15.1 m
Maximum speed 2338 km/h 2178 km/h
Operational range 2,600 km 4,217 km
Service ceiling 17,000 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 16,500 kg 19,200 kg
Empty weight 7,400 kg 8,570 kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 12,701 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Atlas Cheetah or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The Atlas Cheetah is faster with a maximum speed of 2,338 km/h compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 2,178 km/h, a difference of 160 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Atlas Cheetah or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a longer range at 4,217 km compared to the Atlas Cheetah's 2,600 km.
Which can fly higher, the Atlas Cheetah or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The Atlas Cheetah has a higher service ceiling at 17,000 meters (55,774 ft) compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the Atlas Cheetah or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,200 kg compared to the Atlas Cheetah's 16,500 kg.
Which is larger, the Atlas Cheetah or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The Atlas Cheetah is longer at 15.7 meters compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 15.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the Atlas Cheetah or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon entered service first in 1979, 7 years before the Atlas Cheetah which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Atlas Cheetah or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 38 units of the Atlas Cheetah.