F-35 Lightning II vs Yak-38 Forger

Overview

The F-35 Lightning II and the Yak-38 Forger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Yakovlev respectively.

Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the F-35 Lightning II vs 1,210 km/h for the Yak-38 Forger. The F-35 Lightning II has an operational range of 2,800 km vs 1,300 km for the Yak-38 Forger. The F-35 Lightning II operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 11,300 m for the Yak-38 Forger. At 27,216 kg MTOW, the F-35 Lightning II is 2.4x the Yak-38 Forger's 11,200 kg.

The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in 965 units vs 231 for the Yak-38 Forger. Unit cost is $85M for the F-35 Lightning II vs $12M for the Yak-38 Forger. The Yak-38 Forger first flew 36 years before the F-35 Lightning II (1970 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-38 Forger

Soviet vertical takeoff/landing fighter, developed during the Cold War, primarily utilized on Soviet naval aviation carriers.
Yakovlev Yak-38 Forger Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Yakovlev
First flight 27 September 1970
Year introduced 1976
Number produced 231 units
Average unit price $12 million
→ View full Yak-38 Forger 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-38 Forger

Wing area 18.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.3 m ◉
Height 4.4 m ◉
Length 15.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 1210 km/h ◉
Operational range 1,300 km ◉
Service ceiling 11,300 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 11,200 kg ◉
Empty weight 7,020 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 3,050 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 1,210 km/h, a difference of 750 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 11,300 meters (37,073 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 11,200 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 15.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the Yak-38 Forger at $12 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger entered service first in 1976, 37 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 231 units of the Yak-38 Forger.

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