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F-35 Lightning II vs Su-33 Flanker-D

F-35 Lightning II vs Su-33 Flanker-D at a glance — top speed 1,960 vs 2,300 km/h, range 2,800 vs 3,000 km, max takeoff weight 27,216 vs 33,000 kg, built 965 vs 22 units.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning IIFull specs
Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Su-33 Flanker-DFull specs
Specifications
F-35 Lightning II Su-33 Flanker-D
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Sukhoi
First flight 15 December 2006 17 August 1987
Year introduced 2013 1998
Number produced 965 units 22 units
Average unit price $103 million $45 million
Wing area 43.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 11.0 m 15.0 m
Height 4.4 m 6.0 m
Length 15.6 m 22.0 m
Maximum speed 1960 km/h 2300 km/h
Operational range 2,800 km 3,000 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg 33,000 kg
Empty weight 14,651 kg 14,800 kg
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf 2 x 12,797 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Su-33 Flanker-D side profile drawing Su-33 Flanker-D Specs, operators & history →
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D is faster with a maximum speed of 2,300 km/h compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 340 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D has a longer range at 3,000 km compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 2,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 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-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 33,000 kg compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 27,216 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D is longer at 22.0 meters compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $103 million per unit compared to the Su-33 Flanker-D at $45 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D entered service first in 1998, 15 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-33 Flanker-D?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 22 units of the Su-33 Flanker-D.