F-104 Starfighter vs Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta

Overview

The F-104 Starfighter and the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Dassault respectively.

Top speed is 2,500 km/h for the F-104 Starfighter vs 1,700 km/h for the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta. The F-104 Starfighter operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 14,600 m for the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta. At 13,170 kg MTOW, the F-104 Starfighter is 2.6x the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta's 5,150 kg.

The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in 2,578 units vs 1,422 for the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta. Unit cost is $1.4M for the F-104 Starfighter vs $12M for the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta. The F-104 Starfighter first flew 1 years before the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta (1954 vs 1955).

F-104 Starfighter

American supersonic interceptor, notable for Cold War operations, deployed extensively by NATO and several other international air forces.
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
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
→ View full F-104 Starfighter details

Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta

French experimental jet fighter from the 1950s, never deployed in combat or operational use.
Dassault Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta combat aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault
First flight 25 June 1955
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 1422 units
Average unit price $12 million
→ View full Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta details

F-104 Starfighter

Wing area 18.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 6.4 m ◉
Height 4.1 m
Length 16.7 m ◉
Maximum speed 2500 km/h ◉
Operational range 680 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 13,170 kg ◉
Empty weight 6,350 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 4,536 kgf ◉

Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta

Wing area 27.1 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.3 m ◉
Height -- m
Length 12.8 m ◉
Maximum speed 1700 km/h ◉
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling 14,600 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 5,150 kg ◉
Empty weight 3,610 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 980 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta's 1,700 km/h, a difference of 800 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter has a longer range at 680 km compared to the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta's 14,600 meters (47,900 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,170 kg compared to the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta's 5,150 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta's 12.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta is more expensive at approximately $12 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter entered service first in 1958, 3 years before the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta?
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,578 units compared to 1,422 units of the Mirage I / MD-550 Mystère Delta.

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