GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

Atlas Cheetah vs F/A-18 Hornet

Atlas Cheetah vs F/A-18 Hornet at a glance — top speed 2,338 vs 1,915 km/h, range 2,600 vs 2,017 km, max takeoff weight 16,500 vs 23,541 kg, built 38 vs 1,480 units.

Atlas Cheetah combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇿🇦 Atlas Cheetah
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 Hornet
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 2,600 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
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Atlas Cheetah vs MiG-23 Flogger Atlas Cheetah vs F-16 Fighting Falcon Atlas Cheetah vs Su-17 Fitter Atlas Cheetah vs J-7 Fishcan Atlas Cheetah vs MiG-29 Fulcrum Atlas Cheetah vs A-7 Corsair II

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 Atlas Cheetah has a longer range at 2,600 km compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 2,017 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.