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English Electric Lightning vs SO 4050 Vautour

English Electric Lightning vs SO 4050 Vautour at a glance — top speed 2,414 vs 1,106 km/h, range 1,482 vs 5,400 km, max takeoff weight 20,752 vs 21,000 kg, built 337 vs 149 units.

Specifications
English Electric Lightning SO 4050 Vautour
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer English Electric Sud Aviation
First flight 4 August 1954 16 October 1952
Year introduced 1960 1956
Number produced 337 units 149 units
Average unit price $2 million $2 million
Wing area 44.1 m² 45.0 m²
Wingspan 10.6 m 15.1 m
Height 6.0 m 4.9 m
Length 16.8 m 15.6 m
Maximum speed 2414 km/h 1106 km/h
Operational range 1,482 km 5,400 km
Service ceiling 16,459 m 15,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 20,752 kg 21,000 kg
Empty weight 14,092 kg 10,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 7,421 kgf 2 x 7,400 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the English Electric Lightning or SO 4050 Vautour?
The English Electric Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the SO 4050 Vautour's 1,106 km/h, a difference of 1,308 km/h.
Which has longer range, the English Electric Lightning or SO 4050 Vautour?
The SO 4050 Vautour has a longer range at 5,400 km compared to the English Electric Lightning's 1,482 km.
Which can fly higher, the English Electric Lightning or SO 4050 Vautour?
The English Electric Lightning has a higher service ceiling at 16,459 meters (53,999 ft) compared to the SO 4050 Vautour's 15,200 meters (49,868 ft).
Which is heavier, the English Electric Lightning or SO 4050 Vautour?
The SO 4050 Vautour has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 21,000 kg compared to the English Electric Lightning's 20,752 kg.
Which is larger, the English Electric Lightning or SO 4050 Vautour?
The English Electric Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the SO 4050 Vautour's 15.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the English Electric Lightning or SO 4050 Vautour?
The SO 4050 Vautour is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the English Electric Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the English Electric Lightning or SO 4050 Vautour?
The SO 4050 Vautour 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 English Electric Lightning or SO 4050 Vautour?
The English Electric Lightning has been produced in greater numbers with 337 units compared to 149 units of the SO 4050 Vautour.