GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

F/A-18 Hornet vs Su-33 Flanker-D

F/A-18 Hornet vs Su-33 Flanker-D at a glance — top speed 1,915 vs 2,300 km/h, range 2,017 vs 3,000 km, max takeoff weight 23,541 vs 33,000 kg, built 1,480 vs 22 units.

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 HornetFull specs
Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Su-33 Flanker-DFull specs
Specifications
F/A-18 Hornet Su-33 Flanker-D
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Sukhoi
First flight 18 November 1978 17 August 1987
Year introduced 1983 1998
Number produced 1480 units 22 units
Average unit price $29 million $45 million
Wing area 38.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 12.3 m 15.0 m
Height 4.7 m 6.0 m
Length 17.1 m 22.0 m
Maximum speed 1915 km/h 2300 km/h
Operational range 2,017 km 3,000 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 23,541 kg 33,000 kg
Empty weight 10,433 kg 14,800 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,051 kgf 2 x 12,797 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Explore further
Su-33 Flanker-D side profile drawing Su-33 Flanker-D Specs, operators & history →
Largest operators · in service
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide Su-27 Flanker Family, Variants and Successors F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet Variants: A to D, E/F Blocks and the EA-18G Soviet & Russian Fighters Chinese Fighter Aircraft
F/A-18 Hornet vs MiG-23 Flogger F/A-18 Hornet vs F-16 Fighting Falcon F/A-18 Hornet vs Su-17 Fitter F/A-18 Hornet vs J-7 Fishcan F/A-18 Hornet vs MiG-29 Fulcrum F/A-18 Hornet vs A-7 Corsair II

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D is faster with a maximum speed of 2,300 km/h compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 385 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D 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-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 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-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D 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-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D is longer at 22.0 meters compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 17.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D is more expensive at approximately $45 million per unit compared to the F/A-18 Hornet at $29 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The F/A-18 Hornet entered service first in 1983, 15 years before the Su-33 Flanker-D which entered service in 1998.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 Hornet or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 1,480 units compared to 22 units of the Su-33 Flanker-D.