F-86 Sabre vs Su-27 Flanker

The F-86 Sabre and the Su-27 Flanker are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by North American and Sukhoi respectively. The Su-27 Flanker reaches 2,500 km/h — 2.2x the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h. The F-86 Sabre has an operational range of 2,454 km vs 3,530 km for the Su-27 Flanker. The Su-27 Flanker operates at altitudes up to 18,500 m compared to 15,850 m for the F-86 Sabre. At 30,000 kg MTOW, the Su-27 Flanker is 3.1x the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg. The F-86 Sabre has been produced in 9,860 units vs 680 for the Su-27 Flanker. Unit cost is $1.2M for the F-86 Sabre vs $30M for the Su-27 Flanker. The F-86 Sabre first flew 31 years before the Su-27 Flanker (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
Soviet-originated multirole fighter, distinguished for deployments during the Cold War, globally utilized in air superiority missions.
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Sukhoi
First flight 20 May 1978
Year introduced 1984
Number produced 680 units
Average unit price $30 million
Wing area 28.1 m²
Wingspan 11.3 m
Height 4.4 m
Length 11.4 m
Maximum speed 1127 km/h
Operational range 2,454 km
Service ceiling 15,850 m
Max. takeoff weight 9,621 kg
Empty weight 5,443 kg
Total thrust 1 x 3,402 kgf
Wing area 62.0 m²
Wingspan 14.7 m
Height 5.9 m
Length 21.9 m
Maximum speed 2500 km/h
Operational range 3,530 km
Service ceiling 18,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 30,000 kg
Empty weight 16,300 kg
Total thrust 2 x 15,340 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-86 Sabre or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h, a difference of 1,373 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-86 Sabre or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has a longer range at 3,530 km compared to the F-86 Sabre's 2,454 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-86 Sabre or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has a higher service ceiling at 18,500 meters (60,695 ft) compared to the F-86 Sabre's 15,850 meters (52,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-86 Sabre or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 30,000 kg compared to the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg.
Which is larger, the F-86 Sabre or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is longer at 21.9 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-86 Sabre or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the F-86 Sabre at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the F-86 Sabre or Su-27 Flanker?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 35 years before the Su-27 Flanker which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-86 Sabre or Su-27 Flanker?
The F-86 Sabre has been produced in greater numbers with 9,860 units compared to 680 units of the Su-27 Flanker.