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F-5 Freedom Fighter vs F-86 Sabre

F-5 Freedom Fighter vs F-86 Sabre at a glance — top speed 1,700 vs 1,127 km/h, range 2,806 vs 2,454 km, max takeoff weight 11,187 vs 9,621 kg, built 1,204 vs 9,860 units.

Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-5 Freedom Fighter
North American F-86 Sabre combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-86 Sabre
Specifications
F-5 Freedom Fighter F-86 Sabre
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop North American
First flight 30 July 1959 1 October 1947
Year introduced 1965 1949
Number produced 1204 units 9860 units
Average unit price $2 million $1.2 million
Wing area 17.3 m² 28.1 m²
Wingspan 8.1 m 11.3 m
Height 4.1 m 4.4 m
Length 14.5 m 11.4 m
Maximum speed 1700 km/h 1127 km/h
Operational range 2,806 km 2,454 km
Service ceiling 15,789 m 15,850 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,187 kg 9,621 kg
Empty weight 4,349 kg 5,443 kg
Total thrust 2 x 3,176 kgf 1 x 3,402 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter is faster with a maximum speed of 1,700 km/h compared to the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h, a difference of 573 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a longer range at 2,806 km compared to the F-86 Sabre's 2,454 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has a higher service ceiling at 15,850 meters (52,001 ft) compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 15,789 meters (51,801 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,187 kg compared to the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg.
Which is larger, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter is longer at 14.4 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the F-86 Sabre at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 16 years before the F-5 Freedom Fighter which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has been produced in greater numbers with 9,860 units compared to 1,204 units of the F-5 Freedom Fighter.