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F-117 Nighthawk vs F-35 Lightning II

F-117 Nighthawk vs F-35 Lightning II at a glance — top speed 1,101 vs 1,960 km/h, range 1,720 vs 2,800 km, max takeoff weight 25,000 vs 29,900 kg, built 64 vs 1,375 units.

Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-117 NighthawkFull specs
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning IIFull specs
Specifications
F-117 Nighthawk F-35 Lightning II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Lockheed Martin
First flight 18 June 1981 15 December 2006
Year introduced 1982 2011
Number produced 64 units 1375 units
Average unit price $45 million $103 million
Wing area 73.0 m² 43.0 m²
Wingspan 13.2 m 10.7 m
Height 3.8 m 4.4 m
Length 20.1 m 15.7 m
Maximum speed 1101 km/h 1960 km/h
Operational range 1,720 km 2,800 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 25,000 kg 29,900 kg
Empty weight 13,380 kg 13,290 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,781 kgf 1 x 19,500 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-117 Nighthawk or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,101 km/h, a difference of 859 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-117 Nighthawk or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,720 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-117 Nighthawk or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 13,716 meters (45,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-117 Nighthawk or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 29,900 kg compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.
Which is larger, the F-117 Nighthawk or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-117 Nighthawk is longer at 20.1 meters compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-117 Nighthawk or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $103 million per unit compared to the F-117 Nighthawk at $45 million.
Which entered service first, the F-117 Nighthawk or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-117 Nighthawk entered service first in 1982, 29 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-117 Nighthawk or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 1,375 units compared to 64 units of the F-117 Nighthawk.