F-104 Starfighter vs Mirage III / 5 / 50

Overview

The F-104 Starfighter and the Mirage III / 5 / 50 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 III / 5 / 50. The F-104 Starfighter has an operational range of 680 km vs 2,400 km for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. The Mirage III / 5 / 50 operates at altitudes up to 17,000 m compared to 15,240 m for the F-104 Starfighter.

The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in 2,578 units vs 1,422 for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. Unit cost is $1.4M for the F-104 Starfighter vs $5M for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. The F-104 Starfighter first flew 2 years before the Mirage III / 5 / 50 (1954 vs 1956).

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
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Mirage III / 5 / 50

French jet fighter-bomber, notable for its role in multiple conflicts globally since the 1960s, including the Six-Day War.
Dassault Mirage III / 5 / 50 Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault
First flight 17 November 1956
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 1422 units
Average unit price $5 million
→ View full Mirage III / 5 / 50 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 ◉

Mirage III / 5 / 50

Wing area 34.8 m² ◉
Wingspan 8.2 m ◉
Height 4.5 m ◉
Length 15.3 m ◉
Maximum speed 2350 km/h ◉
Operational range 2,400 km ◉
Service ceiling 17,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 12,000 kg ◉
Empty weight 6,740 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 4,300 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50's 2,350 km/h, a difference of 150 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 has a higher service ceiling at 17,000 meters (55,774 ft) compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,170 kg compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50's 12,000 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50's 15.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 is more expensive at approximately $5.0 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The F-104 Starfighter entered service first in 1958, 3 years before the Mirage III / 5 / 50 which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,578 units compared to 1,422 units of the Mirage III / 5 / 50.

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