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F-104 Starfighter vs English Electric Lightning

F-104 Starfighter vs English Electric Lightning at a glance — top speed 2,500 vs 2,414 km/h, range 2,623 vs 1,482 km, max takeoff weight 13,170 vs 20,752 kg, built 2,578 vs 337 units.

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-104 Starfighter
English Electric Lightning combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 English Electric Lightning
Specifications
F-104 Starfighter English Electric Lightning
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed English Electric
First flight 4 March 1954 4 August 1954
Year introduced 1958 1960
Number produced 2578 units 337 units
Average unit price $1.4 million $2 million
Wing area 18.2 m² 44.1 m²
Wingspan 6.4 m 10.6 m
Height 4.1 m 6.0 m
Length 16.7 m 16.8 m
Maximum speed 2500 km/h 2414 km/h
Operational range 2,623 km 1,482 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 16,459 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,170 kg 20,752 kg
Empty weight 6,350 kg 14,092 kg
Total thrust 1 x 7,076 kgf 2 x 7,421 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or English Electric Lightning?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the English Electric Lightning's 2,414 km/h, a difference of 86 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or English Electric Lightning?
The F-104 Starfighter has a longer range at 2,623 km compared to the English Electric Lightning's 1,482 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning has a higher service ceiling at 16,459 meters (53,999 ft) compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 13,170 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 16.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning 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 English Electric Lightning?
The F-104 Starfighter entered service first in 1958, 2 years before the English Electric Lightning which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or English Electric Lightning?
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,578 units compared to 337 units of the English Electric Lightning.