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F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs J-20 Mighty Dragon

F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet vs J-20 Mighty Dragon at a glance — top speed 1,915 vs 2,130 km/h, range 2,346 vs 5,500 km, max takeoff weight 29,900 vs 37,000 kg, built 632 vs 300 units.

Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet
Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳 J-20 Mighty Dragon
Specifications
F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet J-20 Mighty Dragon
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Chengdu
First flight 29 November 1995 11 January 2011
Year introduced 2001 2017
Number produced 632 units 300 units
Average unit price $70 million $110 million
Wing area 46.5 m² 73.0 m²
Wingspan 13.6 m 13.0 m
Height 4.9 m 4.7 m
Length 18.3 m 21.2 m
Maximum speed 1915 km/h 2130 km/h
Operational range 2,346 km 5,500 km
Service ceiling 15,940 m 20,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 29,900 kg 37,000 kg
Empty weight 14,550 kg 17,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 9,979 kgf 2 x 14,480 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or J-20 Mighty Dragon?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,130 km/h compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 215 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or J-20 Mighty Dragon?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon has a longer range at 5,500 km compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 2,346 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or J-20 Mighty Dragon?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon has a higher service ceiling at 20,000 meters (65,616 ft) compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 15,940 meters (52,296 ft).
Which is heavier, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or J-20 Mighty Dragon?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 37,000 kg compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 29,900 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or J-20 Mighty Dragon?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon is longer at 21.2 meters compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's 18.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or J-20 Mighty Dragon?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon is more expensive at approximately $110 million per unit compared to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet at $70 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or J-20 Mighty Dragon?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet entered service first in 2001, 16 years before the J-20 Mighty Dragon which entered service in 2017.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or J-20 Mighty Dragon?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 632 units compared to 300 units of the J-20 Mighty Dragon.