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F-35 Lightning II vs J-16 Qianlong

F-35 Lightning II vs J-16 Qianlong at a glance — top speed 1,960 vs 2,120 km/h, range 2,800 vs 4,000 km, max takeoff weight 27,216 vs 35,000 kg, built 965 vs 365 units.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning II
Shenyang J-16 Qianlong combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳 J-16 Qianlong
Specifications
F-35 Lightning II J-16 Qianlong
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Shenyang
First flight 15 December 2006 1 January 2011
Year introduced 2013 2015
Number produced 965 units 365 units
Average unit price $103 million --
Wing area 43.0 m² 62.0 m²
Wingspan 11.0 m 14.7 m
Height 4.4 m 6.4 m
Length 15.6 m 21.9 m
Maximum speed 1960 km/h 2120 km/h
Operational range 2,800 km 4,000 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 17,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg 35,000 kg
Empty weight 14,651 kg 17,700 kg
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf 2 x 13,766 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or J-16 Qianlong?
The J-16 Qianlong is faster with a maximum speed of 2,120 km/h compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 160 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or J-16 Qianlong?
The J-16 Qianlong has a longer range at 4,000 km compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 2,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or J-16 Qianlong?
The J-16 Qianlong has a higher service ceiling at 17,300 meters (56,758 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or J-16 Qianlong?
The J-16 Qianlong has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 35,000 kg compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 27,216 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or J-16 Qianlong?
The J-16 Qianlong is longer at 21.9 meters compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or J-16 Qianlong?
The F-35 Lightning II entered service first in 2013, 2 years before the J-16 Qianlong which entered service in 2015.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or J-16 Qianlong?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 365 units of the J-16 Qianlong.