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F-104 Starfighter vs F-5 Freedom Fighter

F-104 Starfighter vs F-5 Freedom Fighter at a glance — top speed 2,500 vs 1,700 km/h, range 2,623 vs 3,720 km, max takeoff weight 13,170 vs 11,187 kg, built 2,578 vs 1,204 units.

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-104 StarfighterFull specs
Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-5 Freedom FighterFull specs
Specifications
F-104 Starfighter F-5 Freedom Fighter
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Northrop
First flight 4 March 1954 30 July 1959
Year introduced 1958 1965
Number produced 2578 units 1204 units
Average unit price $1.4 million $2 million
Wing area 18.2 m² 17.3 m²
Wingspan 6.4 m 8.1 m
Height 4.1 m 4.1 m
Length 16.7 m 14.5 m
Maximum speed 2500 km/h 1700 km/h
Operational range 2,623 km 3,720 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 15,789 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,170 kg 11,187 kg
Empty weight 6,350 kg 4,349 kg
Total thrust 1 x 7,076 kgf 2 x 2,268 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 1,700 km/h, a difference of 800 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a longer range at 3,720 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 2,623 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a higher service ceiling at 15,789 meters (51,801 ft) compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,170 kg compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 11,187 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 14.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-104 Starfighter entered service first in 1958, 7 years before the F-5 Freedom Fighter which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,578 units compared to 1,204 units of the F-5 Freedom Fighter.