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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.
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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.
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 10.0 m β—‰
Height 4.9 m β—‰
Length 15.1 m β—‰
Maximum speed 2410 km/h β—‰
Operational range 546 km β—‰
Service ceiling 18,288 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 19,200 kg β—‰
Empty weight 8,570 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 7,777 kgf β—‰
Wing area 38.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 12.3 m β—‰
Height 4.7 m β—‰
Length 17.1 m β—‰
Maximum speed 1915 km/h β—‰
Operational range 2,017 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 23,541 kg β—‰
Empty weight 10,433 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 6,350 kgf β—‰

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.