F-84 Thunderjet vs Lightning

The F-84 Thunderjet and the Lightning are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Republic and English Electric respectively. The Lightning reaches 2,414 km/h — 2.4x the F-84 Thunderjet's 1,001 km/h. The F-84 Thunderjet has an operational range of 1,080 km vs 1,367 km for the Lightning. The Lightning operates at altitudes up to 16,459 m compared to 12,344 m for the F-84 Thunderjet. The F-84 Thunderjet has been produced in 7,524 units vs 337 for the Lightning. Unit cost is $1.4M for the F-84 Thunderjet vs $2M for the Lightning. The F-84 Thunderjet first flew 8 years before the Lightning (1946 vs 1954).

American fighter-bomber of the 1940s–1950s era, notable in the Korean War for close air support and strategic bombing missions.
Republic F-84 Thunderjet Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Republic
First flight 28 February 1946
Year introduced 1950
Number produced 7524 units
Average unit price $1.4 million
British interceptor aircraft, recognized for Cold War era service, extensively deployed for high speed, high altitude defensive roles.
English Electric Lightning Combat profile drawing
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 24.0 m²
Wingspan 11.1 m
Height 3.8 m
Length 11.6 m
Maximum speed 1001 km/h
Operational range 1,080 km
Service ceiling 12,344 m
Max. takeoff weight 10,590 kg
Empty weight 5,200 kg
Total thrust 1 x 2,522 kgf
Wing area 44.1 m²
Wingspan 10.6 m
Height 6.0 m
Length 16.8 m
Maximum speed 2414 km/h
Operational range 1,367 km
Service ceiling 16,459 m
Max. takeoff weight 20,752 kg
Empty weight 14,092 kg
Total thrust 2 x 11,368 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-84 Thunderjet or Lightning?
The Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the F-84 Thunderjet's 1,001 km/h, a difference of 1,413 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-84 Thunderjet or Lightning?
The Lightning has a longer range at 1,367 km compared to the F-84 Thunderjet's 1,080 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-84 Thunderjet or Lightning?
The Lightning has a higher service ceiling at 16,459 meters (53,999 ft) compared to the F-84 Thunderjet's 12,344 meters (40,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-84 Thunderjet or Lightning?
The Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the F-84 Thunderjet's 10,590 kg.
Which is larger, the F-84 Thunderjet or Lightning?
The Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the F-84 Thunderjet's 11.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-84 Thunderjet or Lightning?
The Lightning is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the F-84 Thunderjet at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-84 Thunderjet or Lightning?
The F-84 Thunderjet entered service first in 1950, 10 years before the Lightning which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-84 Thunderjet or Lightning?
The F-84 Thunderjet has been produced in greater numbers with 7,524 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.