F-104 Starfighter vs F-4 Phantom II

Overview

The F-104 Starfighter and the F-4 Phantom II are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and McDonnell respectively.

Top speed is 2,500 km/h for the F-104 Starfighter vs 2,370 km/h for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-104 Starfighter has an operational range of 680 km vs 680 km for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-4 Phantom II operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 15,240 m for the F-104 Starfighter. At 28,030 kg MTOW, the F-4 Phantom II is 2.1x the F-104 Starfighter's 13,170 kg.

The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in 2,578 units vs 5,195 for the F-4 Phantom II. Unit cost is $1.4M for the F-104 Starfighter vs $3M for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-104 Starfighter first flew 4 years before the F-4 Phantom II (1954 vs 1958).

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-4 Phantom II

American fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts.
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell
First flight 27 May 1958
Year introduced 1962
Number produced 5195 units
Average unit price $3 million
→ View full F-4 Phantom II 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-4 Phantom II

Wing area 49.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.7 m ◉
Height 5.0 m ◉
Length 19.0 m ◉
Maximum speed 2370 km/h ◉
Operational range 680 km ◉
Service ceiling 18,288 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 28,030 kg ◉
Empty weight 13,757 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 8,093 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 2,370 km/h, a difference of 130 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a longer range at 680 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 13,170 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 16.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II is more expensive at approximately $3.0 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-104 Starfighter entered service first in 1958, 4 years before the F-4 Phantom II which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 2,578 units of the F-104 Starfighter.

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