Cheetah vs F-4 Phantom II

The Cheetah and the F-4 Phantom II are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Atlas and McDonnell respectively. Top speed is 2,338 km/h for the Cheetah vs 2,370 km/h for the F-4 Phantom II. The Cheetah has an operational range of 1,300 km vs 680 km for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-4 Phantom II operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 17,000 m for the Cheetah. The Cheetah has been produced in 38 units vs 5,195 for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-4 Phantom II first flew 28 years before the Cheetah (1958 vs 1986).

South African jet fighter, evolved in the Cold War era, extensively deployed for air defence and aerial refuelling missions.
Atlas Cheetah Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇿🇦 South Africa
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Atlas
First flight 16 July 1986
Year introduced 1986
Number produced 38 units
Average unit price $-- million
American fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts.
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell
First flight 27 May 1958
Year introduced 1962
Number produced 5195 units
Average unit price $3 million
Wing area 34.8 m² ◉
Wingspan 8.2 m â—‰
Height 4.6 m â—‰
Length 15.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2338 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 17,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 16,500 kg â—‰
Empty weight 7,400 kg â—‰
Total thrust 0 â—‰
Wing area 49.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.7 m â—‰
Height 5.0 m â—‰
Length 19.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2370 km/h â—‰
Operational range 680 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,288 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 28,030 kg â—‰
Empty weight 13,757 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 16,186 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Cheetah or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II is faster with a maximum speed of 2,370 km/h compared to the Cheetah's 2,338 km/h, a difference of 32 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Cheetah or F-4 Phantom II?
The Cheetah has a longer range at 1,300 km compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the Cheetah or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the Cheetah's 17,000 meters (55,774 ft).
Which is heavier, the Cheetah or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the Cheetah's 16,500 kg.
Which is larger, the Cheetah or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the Cheetah's 15.7 meters.
Which entered service first, the Cheetah or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II entered service first in 1962, 24 years before the Cheetah which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Cheetah or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 38 units of the Cheetah.