F-35 Lightning II vs Su-27 Flanker

The F-35 Lightning II and the Su-27 Flanker are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Sukhoi respectively. Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the F-35 Lightning II vs 2,500 km/h for the Su-27 Flanker. The F-35 Lightning II has an operational range of 2,800 km vs 3,530 km for the Su-27 Flanker. The Su-27 Flanker operates at altitudes up to 18,500 m compared to 15,000 m for the F-35 Lightning II. The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in 965 units vs 680 for the Su-27 Flanker. Unit cost is $85M for the F-35 Lightning II vs $30M for the Su-27 Flanker. The Su-27 Flanker first flew 28 years before the F-35 Lightning II (1978 vs 2006).

American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Combat profile drawing
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
Soviet-originated multirole fighter, distinguished for deployments during the Cold War, globally utilized in air superiority missions.
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Sukhoi
First flight 20 May 1978
Year introduced 1984
Number produced 680 units
Average unit price $30 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—‰
Wing area 62.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 14.7 m â—‰
Height 5.9 m â—‰
Length 21.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2500 km/h â—‰
Operational range 3,530 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,500 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 30,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 16,300 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 7,670 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 540 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has a longer range at 3,530 km compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 2,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has a higher service ceiling at 18,500 meters (60,695 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 30,000 kg compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 27,216 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is longer at 21.9 meters compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-27 Flanker?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the Su-27 Flanker at $30 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker entered service first in 1984, 29 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 Su-27 Flanker?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 680 units of the Su-27 Flanker.