F-16 Fighting Falcon vs Lightning
The F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Lightning are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by General Dynamics and English Electric respectively. Top speed is 2,410 km/h for the F-16 Fighting Falcon vs 2,414 km/h for the Lightning. The F-16 Fighting Falcon has an operational range of 546 km vs 1,367 km for the Lightning. The F-16 Fighting Falcon operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 16,459 m for the Lightning. The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in 4,604 units vs 337 for the Lightning. Unit cost is $75M for the F-16 Fighting Falcon vs $2M for the Lightning. The Lightning first flew 20 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon (1954 vs 1974).
| American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations. | |
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| 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 |
| British interceptor aircraft, recognized for Cold War era service, extensively deployed for high speed, high altitude defensive roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | English Electric |
| First flight | 4 August 1954 |
| Year introduced | 1960 |
| Number produced | 337 units |
| Average unit price | $2 million |
| 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 ◉ |
| Wing area | 44.1 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 10.6 m ◉ |
| Height | 6.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 16.8 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 2414 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,367 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 16,459 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 20,752 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 14,092 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 5,684 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Lightning?
The Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 2,410 km/h, a difference of 4 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Lightning?
The Lightning has a longer range at 1,367 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Lightning?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the Lightning's 16,459 meters (53,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Lightning?
The Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 19,200 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Lightning?
The Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 15.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Lightning?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Lightning?
The Lightning entered service first in 1960, 19 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 Lightning?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.