F/A-18 Hornet vs JAS 39 Gripen
Overview
The F/A-18 Hornet and the JAS 39 Gripen are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Saab respectively.
Top speed is 1,915 km/h for the F/A-18 Hornet vs 2,100 km/h for the JAS 39 Gripen. The F/A-18 Hornet has an operational range of 2,017 km vs 805 km for the JAS 39 Gripen. The JAS 39 Gripen operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 15,000 m for the F/A-18 Hornet.
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in 1,480 units vs 300 for the JAS 39 Gripen. Unit cost is $29M for the F/A-18 Hornet vs $85M for the JAS 39 Gripen. The F/A-18 Hornet first flew 10 years before the JAS 39 Gripen (1978 vs 1988).
| American carrier-capable multirole strike fighter, designed in the late 20th century, deployed extensively in a variety of combat roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas |
| First flight | 18 November 1978 |
| Year introduced | 1983 |
| Number produced | 1480 units |
| Average unit price | $29 million |
| Swedish multirole fighter, developed during the Cold War, widely deployed in NATO operations and diverse global air forces. | |
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| Origin country | 🇸🇪 Sweden |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Saab |
| First flight | 9 December 1988 |
| Year introduced | 1996 |
| Number produced | 300 units |
| Average unit price | $85 million |
| Wing area | 38.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 12.3 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 17.1 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1915 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,017 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 23,541 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 10,433 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 6,350 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 30.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 8.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.5 m ◉ |
| Length | 14.9 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 2100 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 805 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 14,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 6,800 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 5,507 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the F/A-18 Hornet or JAS 39 Gripen?
The JAS 39 Gripen is faster with a maximum speed of 2,100 km/h compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 185 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 Hornet or JAS 39 Gripen?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a longer range at 2,017 km compared to the JAS 39 Gripen's 805 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 Hornet or JAS 39 Gripen?
The JAS 39 Gripen has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F/A-18 Hornet or JAS 39 Gripen?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,541 kg compared to the JAS 39 Gripen's 14,000 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 Hornet or JAS 39 Gripen?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the JAS 39 Gripen's 14.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 Hornet or JAS 39 Gripen?
The JAS 39 Gripen is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the F/A-18 Hornet at $29 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 Hornet or JAS 39 Gripen?
The F/A-18 Hornet entered service first in 1983, 13 years before the JAS 39 Gripen which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 Hornet or JAS 39 Gripen?
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 1,480 units compared to 300 units of the JAS 39 Gripen.