F-35 vs F-16

By: Rocco

Comparing the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II vs the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Fighter Jets
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
ICAO: F35 Status: Active Visit aircraft page
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Fighter Jets
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
ICAO: Status: Inactive Visit aircraft page

General

Units
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
ICAO code
F35
Produced
2011–Present
Price
$115.5 million (2018)
Engine
1 × Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
43,000 lbf · 191 kN +47% (total)
Avionics
JSF Cooperative Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
ICAO code
Produced
1978–Present
Price
$18 million (1900)
Engine
1 × Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
29,160 lbf · 130 kN -32% (total)
Avionics
Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1

Dimensions

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Cabin width
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin height
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin length
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Exterior length
51 ft 6 in 15.70 m 51 ft 6 in 15.70 m +4%
Tail height
14 ft 8 in 4.48 m 14 ft 8 in 4.48 m
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Wing span
35 ft 1 in 10.70 m 35 ft 1 in 10.70 m +7%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Cabin width
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin height
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin length
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Exterior length
49 ft 5 in 15.06 m 49 ft 5 in 15.06 m -4%
Tail height
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Wing span
32 ft 8 in 9.96 m 32 ft 8 in 9.96 m -7%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m

Weights

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Max payload
18,000 lb 8,150 kg 18,000 lb 8,150 kg +14%
Fuel capacity
2,760 gal 10,448 L 2,760 gal 10,448 L +227%
Max takeoff weight
70,000 lb 31,800 kg 70,000 lb 31,800 kg +65%
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Max payload
15,800 lb 7,150 kg 15,800 lb 7,150 kg -12%
Fuel capacity
845 gal 3,199 L 845 gal 3,199 L -69%
Max takeoff weight
42,300 lb 19,200 kg 42,300 lb 19,200 kg -40%

Performance

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Max cruise speed
1,043 kt · 1,200 mph 1,932 km/h 1,043 kt 1,200 mph 1,932 km/h -9%
Approach speed
250 kt · 288 mph 463 km/h 250 kt 288 mph 463 km/h
Rate of climb
40,000 ft/min 203 m/s 40,000 ft/min 203 m/s -20%
Range
1,500 nm · 1,730 mi 2,780 km 1,500 nm 1,730 mi 2,780 km -34%
Service ceiling
65,000 ft 19,800 m 65,000 ft 19,800 m +30%
Takeoff distance
550 ft 170 m 550 ft 170 m -51%
Landing distance
700 ft 210 m 700 ft 210 m -53%
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Max cruise speed
1,147 kt · 1,320 mph 2,124 km/h 1,147 kt 1,320 mph 2,124 km/h +10%
Approach speed
Rate of climb
50,000 ft/min 254 m/s 50,000 ft/min 254 m/s +25%
Range
2,280 nm · 2,620 mi 4,220 km 2,280 nm 2,620 mi 4,220 km +52%
Service ceiling
50,000 ft 15,200 m 50,000 ft 15,200 m -23%
Takeoff distance
1,130 ft 350 m 1,130 ft 350 m +105%
Landing distance
1,500 ft 460 m 1,500 ft 460 m +115%

The F35 and the F16 are both amazing fighter jets, but which one is better? In this article, we will compare the specs and features of these two aircraft to see which one comes out on top. Both jets are incredibly fast and maneuverable, but the F35 has some clear advantages over the F16.

Let’s take a closer look at each jet and see how they stack up against each other.

The F-35 Lightning II

The F-35 is a 5th-generation multi-role fighter aircraft designed for ground attack, air superiority, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The F-35 has several unique features that set it apart from previous generations of fighter aircraft. That is, the F-35 is equipped with a powerful onboard computer that helps the pilot to identify and track targets.

In addition, the F-35 has advanced sensors that allow it to detect and avoid enemy missiles. Finally, the F-35 is equipped with stealth technology that makes it difficult for enemy radar to detect the aircraft.

Why was the F-35 built & designed?

The F-35 aircraft was conceived in the early 1990s as a multirole fighter that would replace older aircraft such as the F-16 and F/A-18. The F-35 is unique in that it was designed from the ground up to be a highly versatile platform, capable of performing a wide range of missions including air-to-air combat, close air support, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

One of the key features of the F-35 is its stealth technology, which makes it much harder for enemy radar to detect. The F-35 also features advanced sensors and avionics which allow it to gather and share information with other friendly assets in the battle space.

What purpose does the F-35 serve?

The F-35 aircraft is a fighter jet that serves several purposes in the military. Its primary purpose is to provide air support for ground troops. It can also be used for reconnaissance missions and to engage in dogfights with enemy aircraft. The F-35 is a versatile and effective aircraft that provides an important service for the military.

The F-35 has several features that make it well-suited for its various roles. It’s equipped with powerful engines that allow it to reach high speeds. It also has advanced sensors and targeting systems that allow it to locate and engage targets effectively.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon

The F-16 is a single-engine, supersonic fighter jet that was first introduced in the 1970s. It is still in production today and has been exported to over 25 countries. The F-16 has a wingspan of 9.45 meters (31 feet), a length of 15.06 meters (49.5 feet), and a height of 5.09 meters (16.7 feet). It has a maximum speed of Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) and a range of 4,200 kilometers (2,600 miles).

The F-16 is armed with a variety of missiles and bombs, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. It can also carry up to six hydraulic or electric drop bombs.

The F-16 is powered by a General Electric F110 or Pratt & Whitney F100 turbofan engine, which gives it a thrust-to-weight ratio of more than one (meaning it can accelerate even when carrying a full weapons load).

Why was the F-16 built & designed?

The F-16 aircraft was built and developed for a variety of reasons. First, the F-16 was designed to be a highly maneuverable fighter aircraft. It had to be able to outmaneuver enemy aircraft, both in the air and on the ground. Second, the F-16 was designed to be a very effective air-to-air combat aircraft.

It had to be able to engage and defeat enemy aircraft in combat. Third, the F-16 was designed to be an effective air-to-ground combat aircraft. It had to be able to engage and destroy enemy targets on the ground. Lastly, the F-16 was designed to be an affordable fighter aircraft. The F-16 had to be affordable to produce and operate.

What purpose does the F-16 serve?

The F-16 aircraft is a highly maneuverable fighter plane that was first introduced in the early 1970s. It is designed to be flown by a single pilot and can reach speeds of up to Mach 2. The F-16 has been used by the military in some conflict zones, including Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Its primary function is to provide air support for ground troops. It can also be used for reconnaissance missions and to engage in dogfights with enemy aircraft.

The F-16 is equipped with various weapons, including air-to-air missiles, bombs, and machine guns.

Similarities between the F-35 & F-16

One major similarity between the two aircraft is that they both share the same engine, the General Electric F110. The F-35 has 25% more thrust than the F-16, however, due to its weight, it cannot sustain supersonic speeds for as long. The F-35 has slightly larger dimensions than the F-16.

Both aircraft have wingtip mounted missiles, but on the F-35 these are for self-defense only and do not provide any extra range or firepower.

The F-35 has much more internally integrated avionics and sensor fusion than the F-16, meaning that the pilot has a lot more information available to them at any one time.

Differences between the F-35 & F-16

The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter jet, while the F-16 is a fourth-generation jet. This means that the F-35 is more technologically advanced than the F-16, with upgraded sensors, avionics, and weapons systems. The F-35 also has stealth capabilities that allow it to evade detection by radar.

The F-35 is larger and heavier than the F-16, making it more difficult to maneuver at high speeds. However, its extra weight also gives it more power and range. The F-35 can carry a heavier payload of weapons than the F-16, making it more versatile in combat.

The F-35 has a single engine, while the F-16 has two engines. This gives the F-35 better fuel efficiency, but it also means that if one engine fails, the jet cannot continue flying. The F-16’s two engines give it increased redundancy and safety in case of engine failure.

F-35: What’s Better

The F-35 is a better aircraft than the F-16 in many ways. For one, the F-35 is stealthier due to its shape and the materials used in its construction. This makes it much harder for enemy radar to detect and track the F-35, giving it a significant advantage in combat. Additionally, the F-35 has more powerful engines than the F-16, providing it with greater speed and agility.

The F-35 also has a more sophisticated sensor suite than the F-16, giving pilots greater situational awareness.

F-16: What’s Better

The F-16 is a better aircraft than the F-35. The F-16 has been in production for over 40 years, longer than any other fighter aircraft. The F-35 is a newer model and has not been in production as long. F-16 has been battle-tested and proven in combat. F-35 has not seen as much combat. The F-16 is less expensive to operate and maintain than the F-35. The F-35 has more expensive sensors and requires more maintenance.

The F-16 has a higher thrust-to-weight ratio than the F-35. The F-16 can take off and land on shorter runways than the F-35.

Conclusion: F35 vs F16

The F-35 is a better aircraft than the F-16 in many ways. However, the F-16 has been battle-tested and proven in combat. It is also less expensive to operate and maintain. The F-16 has a higher thrust-to-weight ratio and can take off and land on shorter runways. Therefore, the F-16 is the better aircraft.