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J-35 Draken vs English Electric Lightning

J-35 Draken vs English Electric Lightning at a glance — top speed 2,120 vs 2,414 km/h, range 2,750 vs 1,482 km, max takeoff weight 16,000 vs 20,752 kg, built 651 vs 337 units.

Saab J-35 Draken combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇸🇪 J-35 Draken
English Electric Lightning combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 English Electric Lightning
Specifications
J-35 Draken English Electric Lightning
Origin country 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Saab English Electric
First flight 25 October 1955 4 August 1954
Year introduced 1959 1960
Number produced 651 units 337 units
Average unit price $2.5 million $2 million
Wing area 49.2 m² 44.1 m²
Wingspan 9.4 m 10.6 m
Height 3.9 m 6.0 m
Length 15.3 m 16.8 m
Maximum speed 2120 km/h 2414 km/h
Operational range 2,750 km 1,482 km
Service ceiling 20,000 m 16,459 m
Max. takeoff weight 16,000 kg 20,752 kg
Empty weight 7,865 kg 14,092 kg
Total thrust 1 x 7,995 kgf 2 x 7,421 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the J-35 Draken or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the J-35 Draken's 2,120 km/h, a difference of 294 km/h.
Which has longer range, the J-35 Draken or English Electric Lightning?
The J-35 Draken has a longer range at 2,750 km compared to the English Electric Lightning's 1,482 km.
Which can fly higher, the J-35 Draken or English Electric Lightning?
The J-35 Draken has a higher service ceiling at 20,000 meters (65,616 ft) compared to the English Electric Lightning's 16,459 meters (53,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the J-35 Draken or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the J-35 Draken's 16,000 kg.
Which is larger, the J-35 Draken or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the J-35 Draken's 15.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the J-35 Draken or English Electric Lightning?
The J-35 Draken is more expensive at approximately $2.5 million per unit compared to the English Electric Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the J-35 Draken or English Electric Lightning?
The J-35 Draken entered service first in 1959, 1 years before the English Electric Lightning which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the J-35 Draken or English Electric Lightning?
The J-35 Draken has been produced in greater numbers with 651 units compared to 337 units of the English Electric Lightning.