F-104 Starfighter vs Mirage F1

Overview

The F-104 Starfighter and the Mirage F1 are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Dassault respectively.

Top speed is 2,500 km/h for the F-104 Starfighter vs 2,350 km/h for the Mirage F1. The F-104 Starfighter has an operational range of 680 km vs 425 km for the Mirage F1. The Mirage F1 operates at altitudes up to 20,000 m compared to 15,240 m for the F-104 Starfighter.

The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in 2,578 units vs 726 for the Mirage F1. Unit cost is $1.4M for the F-104 Starfighter vs $8M for the Mirage F1. The F-104 Starfighter first flew 12 years before the Mirage F1 (1954 vs 1966).

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 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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
French tactical fighter jet, prominent during the Cold War, extensively deployed in various intercontinental conflicts.
Dassault Mirage F1 Combat profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault
First flight 23 December 1966
Year introduced 1973
Number produced 726 units
Average unit price $8 million
Wing area 18.2 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 6.4 m β—‰
Height 4.1 m β—‰
Length 16.7 m β—‰
Maximum speed 2500 km/h β—‰
Operational range 680 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,170 kg β—‰
Empty weight 6,350 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,536 kgf β—‰
Wing area 25.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 8.5 m β—‰
Height 4.6 m β—‰
Length 15.5 m β—‰
Maximum speed 2350 km/h β—‰
Operational range 425 km β—‰
Service ceiling 20,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 15,200 kg β—‰
Empty weight 8,024 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 5,550 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage F1?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the Mirage F1's 2,350 km/h, a difference of 150 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage F1?
The F-104 Starfighter has a longer range at 680 km compared to the Mirage F1's 425 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage F1?
The Mirage F1 has a higher service ceiling at 20,000 meters (65,616 ft) compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage F1?
The Mirage F1 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 15,200 kg compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 13,170 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage F1?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the Mirage F1's 15.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage F1?
The Mirage F1 is more expensive at approximately $8.0 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage F1?
The F-104 Starfighter entered service first in 1958, 15 years before the Mirage F1 which entered service in 1973.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage F1?
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,578 units compared to 726 units of the Mirage F1.