F-4 Phantom II vs Lightning
The F-4 Phantom II and the Lightning are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell and English Electric respectively. Top speed is 2,370 km/h for the F-4 Phantom II vs 2,414 km/h for the Lightning. The F-4 Phantom II has an operational range of 680 km vs 1,367 km for the Lightning. The F-4 Phantom II operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 16,459 m for the Lightning. The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in 5,195 units vs 337 for the Lightning. Unit cost is $3M for the F-4 Phantom II vs $2M for the Lightning. The Lightning first flew 4 years before the F-4 Phantom II (1954 vs 1958).
| American fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts. | |
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| 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 |
| British interceptor aircraft, recognized for Cold War era service, extensively deployed for high speed, high altitude defensive roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | English Electric |
| First flight | 4 August 1954 |
| Year introduced | 1960 |
| Number produced | 337 units |
| Average unit price | $2 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 | 44.1 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 10.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 6.0 m â—‰ |
| Length | 16.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 2414 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,367 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 16,459 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 20,752 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 14,092 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 11,368 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the F-4 Phantom II or Lightning?
The Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 2,370 km/h, a difference of 44 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-4 Phantom II or Lightning?
The Lightning has a longer range at 1,367 km compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-4 Phantom II or Lightning?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the Lightning's 16,459 meters (53,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-4 Phantom II or Lightning?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the Lightning's 20,752 kg.
Which is larger, the F-4 Phantom II or Lightning?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the Lightning's 16.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-4 Phantom II or Lightning?
The F-4 Phantom II is more expensive at approximately $3.0 million per unit compared to the Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-4 Phantom II or Lightning?
The Lightning entered service first in 1960, 2 years before the F-4 Phantom II which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-4 Phantom II or Lightning?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.