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Atlas Cheetah vs F-5 Freedom Fighter

Atlas Cheetah vs F-5 Freedom Fighter at a glance — top speed 2,338 vs 1,700 km/h, range 2,600 vs 3,720 km, max takeoff weight 16,500 vs 11,187 kg, built 38 vs 1,204 units.

Atlas Cheetah combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇿🇦 Atlas CheetahFull specs
Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-5 Freedom FighterFull specs
Specifications
Atlas Cheetah F-5 Freedom Fighter
Origin country 🇿🇦 South Africa 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Atlas Northrop
First flight 16 July 1986 30 July 1959
Year introduced 1986 1965
Number produced 38 units 1204 units
Average unit price -- $2 million
Wing area 34.8 m² 17.3 m²
Wingspan 8.2 m 8.1 m
Height 4.6 m 4.1 m
Length 15.7 m 14.5 m
Maximum speed 2338 km/h 1700 km/h
Operational range 2,600 km 3,720 km
Service ceiling 17,000 m 15,789 m
Max. takeoff weight 16,500 kg 11,187 kg
Empty weight 7,400 kg 4,349 kg
Total thrust -- 2 x 2,268 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Atlas Cheetah or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The Atlas Cheetah is faster with a maximum speed of 2,338 km/h compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 1,700 km/h, a difference of 638 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Atlas Cheetah or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a longer range at 3,720 km compared to the Atlas Cheetah's 2,600 km.
Which can fly higher, the Atlas Cheetah or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The Atlas Cheetah has a higher service ceiling at 17,000 meters (55,774 ft) compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 15,789 meters (51,801 ft).
Which is heavier, the Atlas Cheetah or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The Atlas Cheetah has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 16,500 kg compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 11,187 kg.
Which is larger, the Atlas Cheetah or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The Atlas Cheetah is longer at 15.7 meters compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 14.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the Atlas Cheetah or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter entered service first in 1965, 21 years before the Atlas Cheetah which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Atlas Cheetah or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has been produced in greater numbers with 1,204 units compared to 38 units of the Atlas Cheetah.