F-104 Starfighter vs F-105 Thunderchief

American supersonic interceptor, notable for Cold War operations, deployed extensively by NATO and several other international air forces.
Picture of F-104 Starfighter
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 4 March 1954
Year introduced 1958
Number produced 2578 units
Average unit price $1.4 million
American supersonic fighter-bomber, notably deployed during the Vietnam War for nuclear strike and conventionally armed ground-attack missions.
Picture of F-105 Thunderchief
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Republic
First flight 22 October 1955
Year introduced 1958
Number produced 833 units
Average unit price $2.7 million
Wing area 18.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 6.4 m â—‰
Height 4.1 m â—‰
Length 16.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2500 km/h â—‰
Operational range 680 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,170 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,350 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,536 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
Wing area 35.8 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.7 m â—‰
Height 6.0 m â—‰
Length 19.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2208 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,252 km â—‰
Service ceiling 14,783 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 23,834 kg â—‰
Empty weight 12,470 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 7,798 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Republic F-105 Thunderchief

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F-105 Thunderchief's 2,208 km/h, a difference of 292 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-105 Thunderchief has a longer range at 1,252 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the F-105 Thunderchief's 14,783 meters (48,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-105 Thunderchief has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,834 kg compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 13,170 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-105 Thunderchief is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 16.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-105 Thunderchief is more expensive at approximately $2.7 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-105 Thunderchief entered service first in 1958, 0 years before the F-104 Starfighter which entered service in 1958.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,578 units compared to 833 units of the F-105 Thunderchief.