F-102 Delta Dagger vs Lightning

American interceptor, operational during the Cold War, primarily deployed for combat and reconnaissance missions in the United States.
Picture of F-102 Delta Dagger
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Convair
First flight 24 October 1954
Year introduced 1956
Number produced 1000 units
Average unit price $2.5 million
British interceptor aircraft, recognized for Cold War era service, extensively deployed for high speed, high altitude defensive roles.
Picture of Lightning
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer English Electric
First flight 4 August 1954
Year introduced 1960
Number produced 337 units
Average unit price $2 million
Wing area 61.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.6 m â—‰
Height 6.5 m â—‰
Length 20.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1328 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,170 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,276 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 14,288 kg â—‰
Empty weight 8,777 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 5,307 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Convair F-102 Delta Dagger
Wing area 44.1 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.6 m â—‰
Height 6.0 m â—‰
Length 16.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2414 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,367 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,459 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 20,752 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,092 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 11,368 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of English Electric Lightning

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-102 Delta Dagger or Lightning?
The Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the F-102 Delta Dagger's 1,328 km/h, a difference of 1,086 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-102 Delta Dagger or Lightning?
The F-102 Delta Dagger has a longer range at 2,170 km compared to the Lightning's 1,367 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-102 Delta Dagger or Lightning?
The Lightning has a higher service ceiling at 16,459 meters (53,999 ft) compared to the F-102 Delta Dagger's 16,276 meters (53,398 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-102 Delta Dagger or Lightning?
The Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the F-102 Delta Dagger's 14,288 kg.
Which is larger, the F-102 Delta Dagger or Lightning?
The F-102 Delta Dagger is longer at 20.8 meters compared to the Lightning's 16.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-102 Delta Dagger or Lightning?
The F-102 Delta Dagger is more expensive at approximately $2.5 million per unit compared to the Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-102 Delta Dagger or Lightning?
The F-102 Delta Dagger entered service first in 1956, 4 years before the Lightning which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-102 Delta Dagger or Lightning?
The F-102 Delta Dagger has been produced in greater numbers with 1,000 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.