F-84F Thunderstreak vs Lightning

The F-84F Thunderstreak and the Lightning are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Republic and English Electric respectively. The Lightning reaches 2,414 km/h — 2.3x the F-84F Thunderstreak's 1,060 km/h. The F-84F Thunderstreak has an operational range of 1,304 km vs 1,367 km for the Lightning. The Lightning operates at altitudes up to 16,459 m compared to 12,000 m for the F-84F Thunderstreak. The F-84F Thunderstreak has been produced in 3,428 units vs 337 for the Lightning. Unit cost is $1.6M for the F-84F Thunderstreak vs $2M for the Lightning. The F-84F Thunderstreak first flew 4 years before the Lightning (1950 vs 1954).

Mid-20th century American fighter-bomber, extensively utilized during the Korean and Cold Wars, notably by NATO forces.
Republic F-84F Thunderstreak Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Republic
First flight 3 June 1950
Year introduced 1954
Number produced 3428 units
Average unit price $1.6 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 30.2 m²
Wingspan 10.2 m
Height 4.6 m
Length 13.2 m
Maximum speed 1060 km/h
Operational range 1,304 km
Service ceiling 12,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 12,247 kg
Empty weight 6,789 kg
Total thrust 1 x 3,275 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 5,684 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-84F Thunderstreak or Lightning?
The Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the F-84F Thunderstreak's 1,060 km/h, a difference of 1,354 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-84F Thunderstreak or Lightning?
The Lightning has a longer range at 1,367 km compared to the F-84F Thunderstreak's 1,304 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-84F Thunderstreak or Lightning?
The Lightning has a higher service ceiling at 16,459 meters (53,999 ft) compared to the F-84F Thunderstreak's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-84F Thunderstreak or Lightning?
The Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the F-84F Thunderstreak's 12,247 kg.
Which is larger, the F-84F Thunderstreak or Lightning?
The Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the F-84F Thunderstreak's 13.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-84F Thunderstreak or Lightning?
The Lightning is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the F-84F Thunderstreak at $1.6 million.
Which entered service first, the F-84F Thunderstreak or Lightning?
The F-84F Thunderstreak entered service first in 1954, 6 years before the Lightning which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-84F Thunderstreak or Lightning?
The F-84F Thunderstreak has been produced in greater numbers with 3,428 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.