F-16 Fighting Falcon vs F-5 Freedom Fighter

Overview

The F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-5 Freedom Fighter are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by General Dynamics and Northrop respectively.

Top speed is 2,410 km/h for the F-16 Fighting Falcon vs 1,700 km/h for the F-5 Freedom Fighter. The F-16 Fighting Falcon has an operational range of 546 km vs 891 km for the F-5 Freedom Fighter. The F-16 Fighting Falcon operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 15,789 m for the F-5 Freedom Fighter.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in 4,604 units vs 1,204 for the F-5 Freedom Fighter. Unit cost is $75M for the F-16 Fighting Falcon vs $2M for the F-5 Freedom Fighter. The F-5 Freedom Fighter first flew 15 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon (1959 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-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-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-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-16 Fighting Falcon or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 1,700 km/h, a difference of 710 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a longer range at 891 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 15,789 meters (51,801 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,200 kg compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 11,187 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is longer at 15.1 meters compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 14.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter entered service first in 1965, 14 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-5 Freedom Fighter?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 1,204 units of the F-5 Freedom Fighter.

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