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F/A-18 Hornet vs Mitsubishi F-2

F/A-18 Hornet vs Mitsubishi F-2 at a glance — top speed 1,915 vs 2,124 km/h, range 2,017 vs 4,000 km, max takeoff weight 23,541 vs 22,090 kg, built 1,480 vs 98 units.

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 HornetFull specs
Mitsubishi F-2 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇯🇵 Mitsubishi F-2Full specs
Specifications
F/A-18 Hornet Mitsubishi F-2
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇯🇵 Japan
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Mitsubishi
First flight 18 November 1978 7 October 1995
Year introduced 1981 2000
Number produced 1480 units 98 units
Average unit price $29 million $100 million
Wing area 38.0 m² 34.8 m²
Wingspan 12.3 m 11.1 m
Height 4.7 m 4.7 m
Length 17.1 m 15.5 m
Maximum speed 1915 km/h 2124 km/h
Operational range 2,017 km 4,000 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 17,983 m
Max. takeoff weight 23,541 kg 22,090 kg
Empty weight 10,433 kg 9,525 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,051 kgf 1 x 13,381 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Mitsubishi F-2 side profile drawing Mitsubishi F-2 Specs, operators & history →
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F/A-18 Hornet or Mitsubishi F-2?
The Mitsubishi F-2 is faster with a maximum speed of 2,124 km/h compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 209 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 Hornet or Mitsubishi F-2?
The Mitsubishi F-2 has a longer range at 4,000 km compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 2,017 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 Hornet or Mitsubishi F-2?
The Mitsubishi F-2 has a higher service ceiling at 17,983 meters (58,999 ft) compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F/A-18 Hornet or Mitsubishi F-2?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,541 kg compared to the Mitsubishi F-2's 22,090 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 Hornet or Mitsubishi F-2?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the Mitsubishi F-2's 15.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 Hornet or Mitsubishi F-2?
The Mitsubishi F-2 is more expensive at approximately $100 million per unit compared to the F/A-18 Hornet at $29 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 Hornet or Mitsubishi F-2?
The F/A-18 Hornet entered service first in 1981, 19 years before the Mitsubishi F-2 which entered service in 2000.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 Hornet or Mitsubishi F-2?
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 1,480 units compared to 98 units of the Mitsubishi F-2.