F-104 Starfighter vs Lightning

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
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 18.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 6.4 m â—‰
Height 4.1 m â—‰
Length 16.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2137 km/h â—‰
Operational range 670 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—‰
3-view profile of F-104 Starfighter
Wing area 44.1 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.6 m â—‰
Height 6.0 m â—‰
Length 16.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2092 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,368 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 5,684 kgf â—‰
3-view profile of Lightning

Performance Radar Chart