F-104 Starfighter vs Lightning
Overview
The F-104 Starfighter and the Lightning are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and English Electric respectively.
Top speed is 2,500 km/h for the F-104 Starfighter vs 2,414 km/h for the Lightning. The F-104 Starfighter has an operational range of 680 km vs 1,367 km for the Lightning. The Lightning operates at altitudes up to 16,459 m compared to 15,240 m for the F-104 Starfighter.
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in 2,578 units vs 337 for the Lightning. Unit cost is $1.4M for the F-104 Starfighter vs $2M for the Lightning.
| American supersonic interceptor, notable for Cold War operations, deployed extensively by NATO and several other international air forces. | |
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| 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. | |
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| 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 ◉ |
| 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 ◉ |
| Wing area | 44.1 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 10.6 m ◉ |
| Height | 6.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 16.8 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 2414 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,367 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 16,459 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 20,752 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 14,092 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 5,684 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or Lightning?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the Lightning's 2,414 km/h, a difference of 86 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or Lightning?
The Lightning has a longer range at 1,367 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or Lightning?
The 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 Lightning?
The 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 Lightning?
The 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 Lightning?
The 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 Lightning?
The F-104 Starfighter entered service first in 1958, 2 years before the Lightning which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or Lightning?
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,578 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.