F-35 Lightning II vs F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet

American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations.
Picture of F-35 Lightning II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 15 December 2006
Year introduced 2013
Number produced 965 units
Average unit price $85 million
An American carrier-based multirole fighter, derived in the late 20th century, used extensively in global combat operations.
Picture of F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 29 November 1995
Year introduced 2001
Number produced 632 units
Average unit price $70 million
Wing area 43.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.0 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 15.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1960 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,800 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,651 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Wing area 46.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.6 m â—‰
Height 4.9 m â—‰
Length 18.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1915 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,346 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,940 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 29,900 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,550 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 19,958 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 45 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 2,346 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has a higher service ceiling at 15,940 meters (52,296 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 29,900 kg compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 27,216 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is longer at 18.3 meters compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet entered service first in 2001, 12 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 632 units of the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.