F-35 Lightning II vs F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet

American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Combat profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 15 December 2006
Year introduced 2013
Number produced 965 units
Average unit price $85 million
An American carrier-based multirole fighter, derived in the late 20th century, used extensively in global combat operations.
Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet Combat profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 29 November 1995
Year introduced 2001
Number produced 632 units
Average unit price $70 million
Wing area 43.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 11.0 m β—‰
Height 4.4 m β—‰
Length 15.6 m β—‰
Maximum speed 1960 km/h β—‰
Operational range 2,800 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg β—‰
Empty weight 14,651 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf β—‰
Wing area 46.5 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 13.6 m β—‰
Height 4.9 m β—‰
Length 18.3 m β—‰
Maximum speed 1915 km/h β—‰
Operational range 2,346 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,940 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 29,900 kg β—‰
Empty weight 14,550 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 9,979 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 45 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 2,346 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has a higher service ceiling at 15,940 meters (52,296 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 29,900 kg compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 27,216 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is longer at 18.3 meters compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet entered service first in 2001, 12 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 632 units of the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.