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F/A-18 Hornet vs Su-30 Flanker-C

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 Hornet
Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker-C combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Su-30 Flanker-C
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Specifications
F/A-18 Hornet Su-30 Flanker-C
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Sukhoi
First flight 18 November 1978 30 December 1989
Year introduced 1983 1996
Number produced 1480 units 630 units
Average unit price $29 million $37 million
Wing area 38.0 m² 62.0 m²
Wingspan 12.3 m 14.7 m
Height 4.7 m 6.4 m
Length 17.1 m 21.9 m
Maximum speed 1915 km/h 2125 km/h
Operational range 2,017 km 3,000 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 17,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 23,541 kg 33,000 kg
Empty weight 10,433 kg 17,700 kg
Total thrust 2 x 6,350 kgf 2 x 12,497 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The F/A-18 Hornet and the Su-30 Flanker-C are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Sukhoi respectively.

Top speed is 1,915 km/h for the F/A-18 Hornet vs 2,125 km/h for the Su-30 Flanker-C. The F/A-18 Hornet has an operational range of 2,017 km vs 3,000 km for the Su-30 Flanker-C. The Su-30 Flanker-C operates at altitudes up to 17,500 m compared to 15,000 m for the F/A-18 Hornet.

The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in 1,480 units vs 630 for the Su-30 Flanker-C. Unit cost is $29M for the F/A-18 Hornet vs $37M for the Su-30 Flanker-C. The F/A-18 Hornet first flew 11 years before the Su-30 Flanker-C (1978 vs 1989).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 210 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C has a longer range at 3,000 km compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 2,017 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C 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 Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 33,000 kg compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 23,541 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C is longer at 21.9 meters compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 17.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C is more expensive at approximately $37 million per unit compared to the F/A-18 Hornet at $29 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The F/A-18 Hornet entered service first in 1983, 13 years before the Su-30 Flanker-C which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 1,480 units compared to 630 units of the Su-30 Flanker-C.