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F-86 Sabre vs English Electric Lightning

F-86 Sabre vs English Electric Lightning at a glance — top speed 1,127 vs 2,414 km/h, range 2,454 vs 1,482 km, max takeoff weight 9,621 vs 20,752 kg, built 9,860 vs 337 units.

North American F-86 Sabre combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-86 Sabre
English Electric Lightning combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 English Electric Lightning
Specifications
F-86 Sabre English Electric Lightning
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer North American English Electric
First flight 1 October 1947 4 August 1954
Year introduced 1949 1960
Number produced 9860 units 337 units
Average unit price $1.2 million $2 million
Wing area 28.1 m² 44.1 m²
Wingspan 11.3 m 10.6 m
Height 4.4 m 6.0 m
Length 11.4 m 16.8 m
Maximum speed 1127 km/h 2414 km/h
Operational range 2,454 km 1,482 km
Service ceiling 15,850 m 16,459 m
Max. takeoff weight 9,621 kg 20,752 kg
Empty weight 5,443 kg 14,092 kg
Total thrust 1 x 3,402 kgf 2 x 7,421 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-86 Sabre or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h, a difference of 1,287 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-86 Sabre or English Electric Lightning?
The F-86 Sabre has a longer range at 2,454 km compared to the English Electric Lightning's 1,482 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-86 Sabre or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning has a higher service ceiling at 16,459 meters (53,999 ft) compared to the F-86 Sabre's 15,850 meters (52,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-86 Sabre or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg.
Which is larger, the F-86 Sabre or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-86 Sabre or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning 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-86 Sabre or English Electric Lightning?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 11 years before the English Electric Lightning which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-86 Sabre or English Electric Lightning?
The F-86 Sabre has been produced in greater numbers with 9,860 units compared to 337 units of the English Electric Lightning.