F-16 Fighting Falcon vs F-4 Phantom II

Overview

The F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-4 Phantom II are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by General Dynamics and McDonnell respectively.

Top speed is 2,410 km/h for the F-16 Fighting Falcon vs 2,370 km/h for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-16 Fighting Falcon has an operational range of 546 km vs 680 km for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-16 Fighting Falcon operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 18,288 m for the F-4 Phantom II.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in 4,604 units vs 5,195 for the F-4 Phantom II. Unit cost is $75M for the F-16 Fighting Falcon vs $3M for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-4 Phantom II first flew 16 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon (1958 vs 1974).

F-16 Fighting Falcon

American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer General Dynamics
First flight 2 February 1974
Year introduced 1979
Number produced 4604 units
Average unit price $75 million
→ View full F-16 Fighting Falcon details

F-4 Phantom II

American fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts.
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell
First flight 27 May 1958
Year introduced 1962
Number produced 5195 units
Average unit price $3 million
→ View full F-4 Phantom II details

F-16 Fighting Falcon

Wing area 27.9 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.0 m ◉
Height 4.9 m ◉
Length 15.1 m ◉
Maximum speed 2410 km/h ◉
Operational range 546 km ◉
Service ceiling 18,288 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 19,200 kg ◉
Empty weight 8,570 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 7,777 kgf ◉

F-4 Phantom II

Wing area 49.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.7 m ◉
Height 5.0 m ◉
Length 19.0 m ◉
Maximum speed 2370 km/h ◉
Operational range 680 km ◉
Service ceiling 18,288 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 28,030 kg ◉
Empty weight 13,757 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 8,093 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 2,370 km/h, a difference of 40 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a longer range at 680 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 18,288 meters (60,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 19,200 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 15.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the F-4 Phantom II at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II entered service first in 1962, 17 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon which entered service in 1979.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 4,604 units of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

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