F-35 Lightning II vs Yak-36 Freehand

Overview

The F-35 Lightning II and the Yak-36 Freehand are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Yakovlev respectively.

The F-35 Lightning II reaches 1,960 km/h — 2.2x the Yak-36 Freehand's 900 km/h. The F-35 Lightning II has an operational range of 2,800 km vs 370 km for the Yak-36 Freehand. The F-35 Lightning II operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 12,000 m for the Yak-36 Freehand. At 27,216 kg MTOW, the F-35 Lightning II is 3.1x the Yak-36 Freehand's 8,900 kg.

The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in 965 units vs 4 for the Yak-36 Freehand. Unit cost is $85M for the F-35 Lightning II vs $2M for the Yak-36 Freehand. The Yak-36 Freehand first flew 43 years before the F-35 Lightning II (1963 vs 2006).

F-35 Lightning II

American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 15 December 2006
Year introduced 2013
Number produced 965 units
Average unit price $85 million
→ View full F-35 Lightning II details

Yak-36 Freehand

Soviet vertical/short takeoff and landing jet, operational in the mid-to-late cold war, not widely deployed but significant for future designs.
Yakovlev Yak-36 Freehand Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Yakovlev
First flight 9 January 1963
Year introduced --
Number produced 4 units
Average unit price $2 million
→ View full Yak-36 Freehand details

F-35 Lightning II

Wing area 43.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.0 m ◉
Height 4.4 m ◉
Length 15.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 1960 km/h ◉
Operational range 2,800 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg ◉
Empty weight 14,651 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf ◉

Yak-36 Freehand

Wing area 17.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.0 m ◉
Height 4.5 m ◉
Length 17.0 m ◉
Maximum speed 900 km/h ◉
Operational range 370 km ◉
Service ceiling 12,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 8,900 kg ◉
Empty weight 5,300 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 5,302 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the Yak-36 Freehand's 900 km/h, a difference of 1,060 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the Yak-36 Freehand's 370 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the Yak-36 Freehand's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the Yak-36 Freehand's 8,900 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The Yak-36 Freehand is longer at 17.0 meters compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the Yak-36 Freehand at $2.0 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 4 units of the Yak-36 Freehand.

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