GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

English Electric Lightning vs Mirage III / 5 / 50

English Electric Lightning combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 English Electric Lightning
Dassault Mirage III / 5 / 50 combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇫🇷 Mirage III / 5 / 50
Change comparison vs
Specifications
English Electric Lightning Mirage III / 5 / 50
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer English Electric Dassault
First flight 4 August 1954 17 November 1956
Year introduced 1960 1961
Number produced 337 units 1422 units
Average unit price $2 million $5 million
Wing area 44.1 m² 34.8 m²
Wingspan 10.6 m 8.2 m
Height 6.0 m 4.5 m
Length 16.8 m 15.3 m
Maximum speed 2414 km/h 2350 km/h
Operational range 1,367 km 2,400 km
Service ceiling 16,459 m 17,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 20,752 kg 12,000 kg
Empty weight 14,092 kg 6,740 kg
Total thrust 2 x 7,421 kgf 1 x 6,200 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The English Electric Lightning and the Mirage III / 5 / 50 are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by English Electric and Dassault respectively.

Top speed is 2,414 km/h for the English Electric Lightning vs 2,350 km/h for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. The English Electric Lightning has an operational range of 1,367 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 16,459 m for the English Electric Lightning.

The English Electric Lightning has been produced in 337 units vs 1,422 for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. Unit cost is $2M for the English Electric Lightning vs $5M for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. The English Electric Lightning first flew 2 years before the Mirage III / 5 / 50 (1954 vs 1956).

Related Comparisons
English Electric Lightning vs Il-2 Sturmovik English Electric Lightning vs MiG-15 Fagot English Electric Lightning vs Yak-9 Frank English Electric Lightning vs MiG-21 Fishbed English Electric Lightning vs MiG-17 Fresco English Electric Lightning vs F-86 Sabre

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the English Electric Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The English Electric 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 English Electric Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the English Electric Lightning's 1,367 km.
Which can fly higher, the English Electric 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 English Electric Lightning's 16,459 meters (53,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the English Electric Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The English Electric 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 English Electric Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The English Electric Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50's 15.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the English Electric Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 is more expensive at approximately $5.0 million per unit compared to the English Electric Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the English Electric Lightning or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The English Electric 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 English Electric 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 English Electric Lightning.