F-104 Starfighter vs J-35 Draken

American supersonic interceptor, notable for Cold War operations, deployed extensively by NATO and several other international air forces.
Picture of F-104 Starfighter
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 4 March 1954
Year introduced 1958
Number produced 2578 units
Average unit price $1.4 million
Swedish fighter jet from the Cold War era, renowned for Arctic Circle operations and exports to Denmark, Finland and Austria.
Picture of J-35 Draken
Origin country 🇸🇪 Sweden
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Saab
First flight 25 October 1955
Year introduced 1959
Number produced 651 units
Average unit price $2.5 million
Wing area 18.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 6.4 m â—‰
Height 4.1 m â—‰
Length 16.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2500 km/h â—‰
Operational range 680 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,170 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,350 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,536 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
Wing area 49.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.4 m â—‰
Height 3.9 m â—‰
Length 15.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2120 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,750 km â—‰
Service ceiling 20,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 16,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 7,865 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 5,759 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Saab J-35 Draken

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or J-35 Draken?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the J-35 Draken's 2,120 km/h, a difference of 380 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or J-35 Draken?
The J-35 Draken has a longer range at 2,750 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or J-35 Draken?
The J-35 Draken has a higher service ceiling at 20,000 meters (65,616 ft) compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or J-35 Draken?
The J-35 Draken has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 16,000 kg compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 13,170 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or J-35 Draken?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the J-35 Draken's 15.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or J-35 Draken?
The J-35 Draken is more expensive at approximately $2.5 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or J-35 Draken?
The F-104 Starfighter entered service first in 1958, 1 years before the J-35 Draken which entered service in 1959.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or J-35 Draken?
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,578 units compared to 651 units of the J-35 Draken.