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F-4 Phantom II vs F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet

F-4 Phantom II vs F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet at a glance — top speed 2,370 vs 1,915 km/h, range 2,699 vs 2,346 km, max takeoff weight 28,030 vs 29,900 kg, built 5,195 vs 632 units.

McDonnell F-4 Phantom II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-4 Phantom II
Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet
Specifications
F-4 Phantom II F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Boeing
First flight 27 May 1958 29 November 1995
Year introduced 1962 2001
Number produced 5195 units 632 units
Average unit price $2.4 million $70 million
Wing area 49.2 m² 46.5 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m 13.6 m
Height 5.0 m 4.9 m
Length 19.0 m 18.3 m
Maximum speed 2370 km/h 1915 km/h
Operational range 2,699 km 2,346 km
Service ceiling 18,288 m 15,940 m
Max. takeoff weight 28,030 kg 29,900 kg
Empty weight 13,757 kg 14,550 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,094 kgf 2 x 9,979 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-4 Phantom II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-4 Phantom II is faster with a maximum speed of 2,370 km/h compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 455 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-4 Phantom II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-4 Phantom II has a longer range at 2,699 km compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 2,346 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-4 Phantom II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 15,940 meters (52,296 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-4 Phantom 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-4 Phantom II's 28,030 kg.
Which is larger, the F-4 Phantom II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 18.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-4 Phantom II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the F-4 Phantom II at $2.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-4 Phantom II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-4 Phantom II entered service first in 1962, 39 years before the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-4 Phantom II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 632 units of the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.