F-86 Sabre vs F/A-18 Hornet

The F-86 Sabre and the F/A-18 Hornet are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by North American and McDonnell Douglas respectively. Top speed is 1,127 km/h for the F-86 Sabre vs 1,915 km/h for the F/A-18 Hornet. The F-86 Sabre has an operational range of 2,454 km vs 2,017 km for the F/A-18 Hornet. The F-86 Sabre operates at altitudes up to 15,850 m compared to 15,000 m for the F/A-18 Hornet. At 23,541 kg MTOW, the F/A-18 Hornet is 2.4x the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg. The F-86 Sabre has been produced in 9,860 units vs 1,480 for the F/A-18 Hornet. Unit cost is $1.2M for the F-86 Sabre vs $29M for the F/A-18 Hornet. The F-86 Sabre first flew 31 years before the F/A-18 Hornet (1947 vs 1978).

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
American carrier-capable multirole strike fighter, designed in the late 20th century, deployed extensively in a variety of combat roles.
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 18 November 1978
Year introduced 1983
Number produced 1480 units
Average unit price $29 million
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—‰
Wing area 38.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 12.3 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 17.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1915 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,017 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 23,541 kg â—‰
Empty weight 10,433 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 12,700 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-86 Sabre or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet is faster with a maximum speed of 1,915 km/h compared to the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h, a difference of 788 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-86 Sabre or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F-86 Sabre has a longer range at 2,454 km compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 2,017 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-86 Sabre or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F-86 Sabre has a higher service ceiling at 15,850 meters (52,001 ft) compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-86 Sabre or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,541 kg compared to the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg.
Which is larger, the F-86 Sabre or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-86 Sabre or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet is more expensive at approximately $29 million per unit compared to the F-86 Sabre at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the F-86 Sabre or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 34 years before the F/A-18 Hornet which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-86 Sabre or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F-86 Sabre has been produced in greater numbers with 9,860 units compared to 1,480 units of the F/A-18 Hornet.