F-16 Fighting Falcon vs F/A-18 Hornet

American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
Picture of F-16 Fighting Falcon
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
American carrier-capable multirole strike fighter, designed in the late 20th century, deployed extensively in a variety of combat roles.
Picture of F/A-18 Hornet
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 18 November 1978
Year introduced 1983
Number produced 1480 units
Average unit price $29 million
Wing area 27.9 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.0 m â—‰
Height 4.9 m â—‰
Length 15.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2410 km/h â—‰
Operational range 546 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,288 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 19,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 8,570 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 7,777 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Wing area 38.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 12.3 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 17.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1915 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,017 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 23,541 kg â—‰
Empty weight 10,433 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 12,700 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 495 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a longer range at 2,017 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,541 kg compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 19,200 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 15.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the F/A-18 Hornet at $29 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon entered service first in 1979, 4 years before the F/A-18 Hornet which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 1,480 units of the F/A-18 Hornet.