F-5E Tiger II vs F-86 Sabre

The F-5E Tiger II and the F-86 Sabre are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Northrop and North American respectively. Top speed is 1,700 km/h for the F-5E Tiger II vs 1,127 km/h for the F-86 Sabre. The F-5E Tiger II has an operational range of 891 km vs 2,454 km for the F-86 Sabre. The F-86 Sabre operates at altitudes up to 15,850 m compared to 15,789 m for the F-5E Tiger II. The F-5E Tiger II has been produced in 1,399 units vs 9,860 for the F-86 Sabre. Unit cost is $3M for the F-5E Tiger II vs $1.2M for the F-86 Sabre. The F-86 Sabre first flew 25 years before the F-5E Tiger II (1947 vs 1972).

American fighter jet, used in the Cold War era, notable for its worldwide military deployments, including operation Desert Storm.
Northrop F-5E Tiger II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop
First flight 11 August 1972
Year introduced 1976
Number produced 1399 units
Average unit price $3 million
American fighter jet, iconic of the Korean War period, widely operational across cold-war frontline, supersonic, and recognized for its dog-fighting capability.
North American F-86 Sabre Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer North American
First flight 1 October 1947
Year introduced 1949
Number produced 9860 units
Average unit price $1.2 million
Wing area 17.3 m² ◉
Wingspan 8.1 m â—‰
Height 4.1 m â—‰
Length 14.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1700 km/h â—‰
Operational range 891 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,789 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,187 kg â—‰
Empty weight 4,349 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,176 kgf â—‰
Wing area 28.1 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.3 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 11.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1127 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,454 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,850 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 9,621 kg â—‰
Empty weight 5,443 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 3,402 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-5E Tiger II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-5E Tiger II 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-5E Tiger II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has a longer range at 2,454 km compared to the F-5E Tiger II's 891 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-5E Tiger II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has a higher service ceiling at 15,850 meters (52,001 ft) compared to the F-5E Tiger II's 15,789 meters (51,801 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-5E Tiger II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-5E Tiger II 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-5E Tiger II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-5E Tiger II is longer at 14.4 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-5E Tiger II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-5E Tiger II is more expensive at approximately $3.0 million per unit compared to the F-86 Sabre at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the F-5E Tiger II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 27 years before the F-5E Tiger II which entered service in 1976.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-5E Tiger II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has been produced in greater numbers with 9,860 units compared to 1,399 units of the F-5E Tiger II.