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Atlas Cheetah vs F/A-18 Hornet

Atlas Cheetah combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇿🇦 Atlas Cheetah
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 Hornet
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Atlas Cheetah F/A-18 Hornet
Origin country 🇿🇦 South Africa 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Atlas McDonnell Douglas
First flight 16 July 1986 18 November 1978
Year introduced 1986 1983
Number produced 38 units 1480 units
Average unit price -- $29 million
Wing area 34.8 m² 38.0 m²
Wingspan 8.2 m 12.3 m
Height 4.6 m 4.7 m
Length 15.7 m 17.1 m
Maximum speed 2338 km/h 1915 km/h
Operational range 1,300 km 2,017 km
Service ceiling 17,000 m 15,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 16,500 kg 23,541 kg
Empty weight 7,400 kg 10,433 kg
Total thrust -- 2 x 8,051 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Atlas Cheetah and the F/A-18 Hornet are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Atlas and McDonnell Douglas respectively.

Top speed is 2,338 km/h for the Atlas Cheetah vs 1,915 km/h for the F/A-18 Hornet. The Atlas Cheetah has an operational range of 1,300 km vs 2,017 km for the F/A-18 Hornet. The Atlas Cheetah operates at altitudes up to 17,000 m compared to 15,000 m for the F/A-18 Hornet.

The Atlas Cheetah has been produced in 38 units vs 1,480 for the F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18 Hornet first flew 8 years before the Atlas Cheetah (1978 vs 1986).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Atlas Cheetah or F/A-18 Hornet?
The Atlas Cheetah is faster with a maximum speed of 2,338 km/h compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 423 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Atlas Cheetah or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a longer range at 2,017 km compared to the Atlas Cheetah's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the Atlas Cheetah or F/A-18 Hornet?
The Atlas Cheetah has a higher service ceiling at 17,000 meters (55,774 ft) compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the Atlas Cheetah or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,541 kg compared to the Atlas Cheetah's 16,500 kg.
Which is larger, the Atlas Cheetah or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the Atlas Cheetah's 15.7 meters.
Which entered service first, the Atlas Cheetah or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet entered service first in 1983, 3 years before the Atlas Cheetah which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Atlas Cheetah or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 1,480 units compared to 38 units of the Atlas Cheetah.