F-104 Starfighter vs Mirage III / 5 / 50

American supersonic interceptor, notable for Cold War operations, deployed extensively by NATO and several other international air forces.
Picture of F-104 Starfighter
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
French jet fighter-bomber, notable for its role in multiple conflicts globally since the 1960s, including the Six-Day War.
Picture of Mirage III / 5 / 50
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault
First flight 17 November 1956
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 1422 units
Average unit price $5 million
Wing area 18.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 6.4 m â—‰
Height 4.1 m â—‰
Length 16.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2500 km/h â—‰
Operational range 680 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,170 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,350 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,536 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
Wing area 34.8 m² ◉
Wingspan 8.2 m â—‰
Height 4.5 m â—‰
Length 15.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2350 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,400 km â—‰
Service ceiling 17,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 12,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,740 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,300 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Dassault Mirage III / 5 / 50

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50's 2,350 km/h, a difference of 150 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 has a higher service ceiling at 17,000 meters (55,774 ft) compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,170 kg compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50's 12,000 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50's 15.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 is more expensive at approximately $5.0 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The F-104 Starfighter entered service first in 1958, 3 years before the Mirage III / 5 / 50 which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,578 units compared to 1,422 units of the Mirage III / 5 / 50.