F-4 Phantom II vs JF-17 Thunder

The F-4 Phantom II and the JF-17 Thunder are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell and CAC / PAC respectively. Top speed is 2,370 km/h for the F-4 Phantom II vs 1,960 km/h for the JF-17 Thunder. The F-4 Phantom II has an operational range of 680 km vs 900 km for the JF-17 Thunder. The F-4 Phantom II operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 16,700 m for the JF-17 Thunder. At 28,030 kg MTOW, the F-4 Phantom II is 2.2x the JF-17 Thunder's 12,701 kg. The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in 5,195 units vs 144 for the JF-17 Thunder. Unit cost is $3M for the F-4 Phantom II vs $30M for the JF-17 Thunder. The F-4 Phantom II first flew 45 years before the JF-17 Thunder (1958 vs 2003).

American fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts.
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II Combat profile drawing
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
Jointly developed by China and Pakistan, the combat aircraft has seen deployment in multiple military operations since 2007.
CAC / PAC JF-17 Thunder Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer CAC / PAC
First flight 25 August 2003
Year introduced 2007
Number produced 144 units
Average unit price $30 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—‰
Wing area 24.4 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.0 m â—‰
Height 4.8 m â—‰
Length 14.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1960 km/h â—‰
Operational range 900 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,700 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 12,701 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,411 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 5,097 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-4 Phantom II or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-4 Phantom II is faster with a maximum speed of 2,370 km/h compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 410 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-4 Phantom II or JF-17 Thunder?
The JF-17 Thunder has a longer range at 900 km compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-4 Phantom II or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 16,700 meters (54,790 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-4 Phantom II or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 12,701 kg.
Which is larger, the F-4 Phantom II or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 14.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-4 Phantom II or JF-17 Thunder?
The JF-17 Thunder is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the F-4 Phantom II at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-4 Phantom II or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-4 Phantom II entered service first in 1962, 45 years before the JF-17 Thunder which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-4 Phantom II or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 144 units of the JF-17 Thunder.