F-35 Lightning II vs Lightning
The F-35 Lightning II and the Lightning are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and English Electric respectively. Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the F-35 Lightning II vs 2,414 km/h for the Lightning. The F-35 Lightning II has an operational range of 2,800 km vs 1,367 km for the Lightning. The Lightning operates at altitudes up to 16,459 m compared to 15,000 m for the F-35 Lightning II. The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in 965 units vs 337 for the Lightning. Unit cost is $85M for the F-35 Lightning II vs $2M for the Lightning. The Lightning first flew 52 years before the F-35 Lightning II (1954 vs 2006).
| American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations. | |
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| 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 |
| 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 | 43.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 11.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.4 m ◉ |
| Length | 15.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1960 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,800 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 27,216 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 14,651 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 19,500 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-35 Lightning II or Lightning?
The Lightning 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-35 Lightning II or Lightning?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the Lightning's 1,367 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or Lightning?
The Lightning has a higher service ceiling at 16,459 meters (53,999 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or Lightning?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the Lightning's 20,752 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or Lightning?
The Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or Lightning?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or Lightning?
The Lightning entered service first in 1960, 53 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 Lightning?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.