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F-104 Starfighter vs Mirage III / 5 / 50

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-104 Starfighter
Dassault Mirage III / 5 / 50 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇫🇷 Mirage III / 5 / 50
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Specifications
F-104 Starfighter Mirage III / 5 / 50
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Dassault
First flight 4 March 1954 17 November 1956
Year introduced 1958 1961
Number produced 2578 units 1422 units
Average unit price $1.4 million $5 million
Wing area 18.2 m² 34.8 m²
Wingspan 6.4 m 8.2 m
Height 4.1 m 4.5 m
Length 16.7 m 15.3 m
Maximum speed 2500 km/h 2350 km/h
Operational range 680 km 2,400 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 17,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,170 kg 12,000 kg
Empty weight 6,350 kg 6,740 kg
Total thrust 1 x 7,076 kgf 1 x 6,200 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The F-104 Starfighter and the Mirage III / 5 / 50 are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Dassault respectively.

Top speed is 2,500 km/h for the F-104 Starfighter vs 2,350 km/h for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. The F-104 Starfighter has an operational range of 680 km vs 2,400 km for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. The Mirage III / 5 / 50 operates at altitudes up to 17,000 m compared to 15,240 m for the F-104 Starfighter.

The F-104 Starfighter has been produced in 2,578 units vs 1,422 for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. Unit cost is $1.4M for the F-104 Starfighter vs $5M for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. The F-104 Starfighter first flew 2 years before the Mirage III / 5 / 50 (1954 vs 1956).

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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.