F-104 Starfighter vs F-105 Thunderchief

Overview

The F-104 Starfighter and the F-105 Thunderchief are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Republic respectively.

Top speed is 2,500 km/h for the F-104 Starfighter vs 2,208 km/h for the F-105 Thunderchief. The F-104 Starfighter has an operational range of 680 km vs 1,252 km for the F-105 Thunderchief. The F-104 Starfighter operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 14,783 m for the F-105 Thunderchief.

The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in 2,578 units vs 833 for the F-105 Thunderchief. Unit cost is $1.4M for the F-104 Starfighter vs $2.7M for the F-105 Thunderchief. The F-104 Starfighter first flew 1 years before the F-105 Thunderchief (1954 vs 1955).

F-104 Starfighter

American supersonic interceptor, notable for Cold War operations, deployed extensively by NATO and several other international air forces.
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter Combat profile drawing
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
→ View full F-104 Starfighter details

F-105 Thunderchief

American supersonic fighter-bomber, notably deployed during the Vietnam War for nuclear strike and conventionally armed ground-attack missions.
Republic F-105 Thunderchief Combat profile drawing
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
→ View full F-105 Thunderchief details

F-104 Starfighter

Wing area 18.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 6.4 m ◉
Height 4.1 m ◉
Length 16.7 m ◉
Maximum speed 2500 km/h ◉
Operational range 680 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,240 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 13,170 kg ◉
Empty weight 6,350 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 4,536 kgf ◉

F-105 Thunderchief

Wing area 35.8 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.7 m ◉
Height 6.0 m ◉
Length 19.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 2208 km/h ◉
Operational range 1,252 km ◉
Service ceiling 14,783 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 23,834 kg ◉
Empty weight 12,470 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 7,798 kgf ◉

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.

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