F-4 Phantom II vs J-8 Finback

American fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts.
Picture of F-4 Phantom II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell
First flight 27 May 1958
Year introduced 1962
Number produced 5195 units
Average unit price $3 million
Chinese interceptor, operational from the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for aerial warfare by the People's Liberation Army Air Force.
Picture of J-8 Finback
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Shenyang
First flight 5 July 1969
Year introduced 1980
Number produced 408 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 49.2 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m â—‰
Height 5.0 m â—‰
Length 19.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2370 km/h â—‰
Operational range 680 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,288 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 28,030 kg â—‰
Empty weight 13,757 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 16,186 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of McDonnell F-4 Phantom II
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 9.3 m â—‰
Height 5.4 m â—‰
Length 21.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2300 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 18,879 kg â—‰
Empty weight 10,371 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 9,588 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Shenyang J-8 Finback

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of J-8 Finback by US DoD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-4 Phantom II or J-8 Finback?
The F-4 Phantom II is faster with a maximum speed of 2,370 km/h compared to the J-8 Finback's 2,300 km/h, a difference of 70 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-4 Phantom II or J-8 Finback?
The J-8 Finback has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-4 Phantom II or J-8 Finback?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the J-8 Finback's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-4 Phantom II or J-8 Finback?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the J-8 Finback's 18,879 kg.
Which is larger, the F-4 Phantom II or J-8 Finback?
The J-8 Finback is longer at 21.5 meters compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 19.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the F-4 Phantom II or J-8 Finback?
The F-4 Phantom II entered service first in 1962, 18 years before the J-8 Finback which entered service in 1980.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-4 Phantom II or J-8 Finback?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 408 units of the J-8 Finback.