Lightning vs Mirage III / 5 / 50
| British interceptor aircraft, recognized for Cold War era service, extensively deployed for high speed, high altitude defensive roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | English Electric |
| First flight | 4 August 1954 |
| Year introduced | 1960 |
| Number produced | 337 units |
| Average unit price | $2 million |
| French jet fighter-bomber, notable for its role in multiple conflicts globally since the 1960s, including the Six-Day War. | |
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| 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 | 44.1 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 10.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 6.0 m â—‰ |
| Length | 16.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 2414 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,367 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 16,459 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 20,752 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 14,092 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 11,368 kgf â—‰ |
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| 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—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50's 2,350 km/h, a difference of 64 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the Lightning's 1,367 km.
Which can fly higher, the Lightning 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 Lightning's 16,459 meters (53,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50's 12,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50's 15.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 is more expensive at approximately $5.0 million per unit compared to the Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Lightning entered service first in 1960, 1 years before the Mirage III / 5 / 50 which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,422 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.