F-104 Starfighter vs MiG-17 Fresco

Overview

The F-104 Starfighter and the MiG-17 Fresco are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively.

The F-104 Starfighter reaches 2,500 km/h — 2.1x the MiG-17 Fresco's 1,193 km/h. The F-104 Starfighter has an operational range of 680 km vs 2,020 km for the MiG-17 Fresco. The MiG-17 Fresco operates at altitudes up to 15,600 m compared to 15,240 m for the F-104 Starfighter. At 13,170 kg MTOW, the F-104 Starfighter is 2.5x the MiG-17 Fresco's 5,210 kg.

The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in 2,578 units vs 10,649 for the MiG-17 Fresco. Unit cost is $1.4M for the F-104 Starfighter vs $0.6M for the MiG-17 Fresco. The MiG-17 Fresco first flew 4 years before the F-104 Starfighter (1950 vs 1954).

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

MiG-17 Fresco

Soviet jet fighter, renowned for significant roles during the Vietnam War, utilized for interception and ground-attack missions.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-17 Fresco Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 14 January 1950
Year introduced 1952
Number produced 10649 units
Average unit price $600K
→ View full MiG-17 Fresco 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 ◉

MiG-17 Fresco

Wing area 22.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.6 m ◉
Height 3.8 m ◉
Length 11.3 m ◉
Maximum speed 1193 km/h ◉
Operational range 2,020 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,600 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 5,210 kg ◉
Empty weight 3,705 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 2,000 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-17 Fresco?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the MiG-17 Fresco's 1,193 km/h, a difference of 1,307 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-17 Fresco?
The MiG-17 Fresco has a longer range at 2,020 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-17 Fresco?
The MiG-17 Fresco has a higher service ceiling at 15,600 meters (51,181 ft) compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-17 Fresco?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,170 kg compared to the MiG-17 Fresco's 5,210 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-17 Fresco?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the MiG-17 Fresco's 11.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-17 Fresco?
The F-104 Starfighter is more expensive at approximately $1.4 million per unit compared to the MiG-17 Fresco at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-17 Fresco?
The MiG-17 Fresco entered service first in 1952, 6 years before the F-104 Starfighter which entered service in 1958.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-17 Fresco?
The MiG-17 Fresco has been produced in greater numbers with 10,649 units compared to 2,578 units of the F-104 Starfighter.

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