F-14 Tomcat vs F-5 Freedom Fighter

Overview

The F-14 Tomcat and the F-5 Freedom Fighter are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Northrop respectively.

Top speed is 2,485 km/h for the F-14 Tomcat vs 1,700 km/h for the F-5 Freedom Fighter. The F-14 Tomcat has an operational range of 3,000 km vs 891 km for the F-5 Freedom Fighter. The F-14 Tomcat operates at altitudes up to 17,069 m compared to 15,789 m for the F-5 Freedom Fighter. At 33,724 kg MTOW, the F-14 Tomcat is 3.0x the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 11,187 kg.

The F-14 Tomcat has been produced in 712 units vs 1,204 for the F-5 Freedom Fighter. Unit cost is $38M for the F-14 Tomcat vs $2M for the F-5 Freedom Fighter. The F-5 Freedom Fighter first flew 11 years before the F-14 Tomcat (1959 vs 1970).

F-14 Tomcat

American supersonic, twin-engine fighter jet, dominant during the Cold War, extensively deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
Grumman F-14 Tomcat Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman
First flight 21 December 1970
Year introduced 1972
Number produced 712 units
Average unit price $38 million
→ View full F-14 Tomcat details

F-5 Freedom Fighter

American light fighter of Cold War era, notable for worldwide deployment, used extensively in Vietnam and various regional conflicts.
Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop
First flight 30 July 1959
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 1204 units
Average unit price $2 million
→ View full F-5 Freedom Fighter details

F-14 Tomcat

Wing area 52.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 19.6 m ◉
Height 4.9 m ◉
Length 19.1 m ◉
Maximum speed 2485 km/h ◉
Operational range 3,000 km ◉
Service ceiling 17,069 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 33,724 kg ◉
Empty weight 18,191 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 11,204 kgf ◉

F-5 Freedom Fighter

Wing area 17.3 m² ◉
Wingspan 8.1 m ◉
Height 4.1 m ◉
Length 14.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 1700 km/h ◉
Operational range 891 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,789 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 11,187 kg ◉
Empty weight 4,349 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 1,588 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-14 Tomcat or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-14 Tomcat is faster with a maximum speed of 2,485 km/h compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 1,700 km/h, a difference of 785 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-14 Tomcat or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-14 Tomcat has a longer range at 3,000 km compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 891 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-14 Tomcat or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-14 Tomcat has a higher service ceiling at 17,069 meters (56,000 ft) compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 15,789 meters (51,801 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-14 Tomcat or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-14 Tomcat has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 33,724 kg compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 11,187 kg.
Which is larger, the F-14 Tomcat or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-14 Tomcat is longer at 19.1 meters compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 14.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-14 Tomcat or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-14 Tomcat is more expensive at approximately $38 million per unit compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-14 Tomcat or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter entered service first in 1965, 7 years before the F-14 Tomcat which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-14 Tomcat or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has been produced in greater numbers with 1,204 units compared to 712 units of the F-14 Tomcat.

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