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Gloster Javelin vs English Electric Lightning

Gloster Javelin vs English Electric Lightning at a glance — top speed 1,140 vs 2,414 km/h, range 1,535 vs 1,482 km, max takeoff weight 19,579 vs 20,752 kg, built 436 vs 337 units.

Specifications
Gloster Javelin English Electric Lightning
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Gloster English Electric
First flight 26 November 1951 4 August 1954
Year introduced 1956 1960
Number produced 436 units 337 units
Average unit price -- $2 million
Wing area 86.1 m² 44.1 m²
Wingspan 15.9 m 10.6 m
Height 4.9 m 6.0 m
Length 17.3 m 16.8 m
Maximum speed 1140 km/h 2414 km/h
Operational range 1,535 km 1,482 km
Service ceiling 16,093 m 16,459 m
Max. takeoff weight 19,579 kg 20,752 kg
Empty weight 10,886 kg 14,092 kg
Total thrust 2 x 5,579 kgf 2 x 7,421 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Gloster Javelin or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the Gloster Javelin's 1,140 km/h, a difference of 1,274 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Gloster Javelin or English Electric Lightning?
The Gloster Javelin has a longer range at 1,535 km compared to the English Electric Lightning's 1,482 km.
Which can fly higher, the Gloster Javelin or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning has a higher service ceiling at 16,459 meters (53,999 ft) compared to the Gloster Javelin's 16,093 meters (52,798 ft).
Which is heavier, the Gloster Javelin or English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the Gloster Javelin's 19,579 kg.
Which is larger, the Gloster Javelin or English Electric Lightning?
The Gloster Javelin is longer at 17.3 meters compared to the English Electric Lightning's 16.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the Gloster Javelin or English Electric Lightning?
The Gloster Javelin entered service first in 1956, 4 years before the English Electric Lightning which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Gloster Javelin or English Electric Lightning?
The Gloster Javelin has been produced in greater numbers with 436 units compared to 337 units of the English Electric Lightning.