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F-16V Viper vs F-35 Lightning II

F-16V Viper vs F-35 Lightning II at a glance — top speed 2,414 vs 1,960 km/h, range 4,220 vs 2,800 km, max takeoff weight 21,772 vs 27,216 kg.

Lockheed Martin F-16V Viper combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-16V Viper
Specifications
F-16V Viper F-35 Lightning II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin
First flight 24 January 2023 15 December 2006
Year introduced 2023 2013
Number produced N/A 965 units
Average unit price $70.3 million $103 million
Wing area 27.9 m² 43.0 m²
Wingspan 10.0 m 11.0 m
Height 5.1 m 4.4 m
Length 15.1 m 15.6 m
Maximum speed 2414 km/h 1960 km/h
Operational range 4,220 km 2,800 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 15,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 21,772 kg 27,216 kg
Empty weight 9,207 kg 14,651 kg
Total thrust 1 x 13,381 kgf 1 x 19,500 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-16V Viper or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-16V Viper is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 454 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16V Viper or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-16V Viper has a longer range at 4,220 km compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 2,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16V Viper or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-16V Viper has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16V Viper or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the F-16V Viper's 21,772 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16V Viper or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the F-16V Viper's 15.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16V Viper or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $103 million per unit compared to the F-16V Viper at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16V Viper or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II entered service first in 2013, 10 years before the F-16V Viper which entered service in 2023.