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F/A-18 Hornet vs J-7 Fishcan

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 Hornet
Chengdu J-7 Fishcan combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳 J-7 Fishcan
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Specifications
F/A-18 Hornet J-7 Fishcan
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Chengdu
First flight 18 November 1978 17 January 1966
Year introduced 1983 1966
Number produced 1480 units 2400 units
Average unit price $29 million $2 million
Wing area 38.0 m² 24.9 m²
Wingspan 12.3 m 8.3 m
Height 4.7 m 4.1 m
Length 17.1 m 14.0 m
Maximum speed 1915 km/h 2200 km/h
Operational range 2,017 km 850 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 17,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 23,541 kg 9,100 kg
Empty weight 10,433 kg 5,292 kg
Total thrust 2 x 6,350 kgf 1 x 4,488 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The F/A-18 Hornet and the J-7 Fishcan are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Chengdu respectively.

Top speed is 1,915 km/h for the F/A-18 Hornet vs 2,200 km/h for the J-7 Fishcan. The F/A-18 Hornet has an operational range of 2,017 km vs 850 km for the J-7 Fishcan. The J-7 Fishcan operates at altitudes up to 17,500 m compared to 15,000 m for the F/A-18 Hornet. At 23,541 kg MTOW, the F/A-18 Hornet is 2.6x the J-7 Fishcan's 9,100 kg.

The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in 1,480 units vs 2,400 for the J-7 Fishcan. Unit cost is $29M for the F/A-18 Hornet vs $2M for the J-7 Fishcan. The J-7 Fishcan first flew 12 years before the F/A-18 Hornet (1966 vs 1978).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F/A-18 Hornet or J-7 Fishcan?
The J-7 Fishcan is faster with a maximum speed of 2,200 km/h compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 285 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 Hornet or J-7 Fishcan?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a longer range at 2,017 km compared to the J-7 Fishcan's 850 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 Hornet or J-7 Fishcan?
The J-7 Fishcan has a higher service ceiling at 17,500 meters (57,414 ft) compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F/A-18 Hornet or J-7 Fishcan?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,541 kg compared to the J-7 Fishcan's 9,100 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 Hornet or J-7 Fishcan?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the J-7 Fishcan's 13.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 Hornet or J-7 Fishcan?
The F/A-18 Hornet is more expensive at approximately $29 million per unit compared to the J-7 Fishcan at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 Hornet or J-7 Fishcan?
The J-7 Fishcan entered service first in 1966, 17 years before the F/A-18 Hornet which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 Hornet or J-7 Fishcan?
The J-7 Fishcan has been produced in greater numbers with 2,400 units compared to 1,480 units of the F/A-18 Hornet.