Aircraft Comparison By

F-16 vs F-18

There is no question that both the F-16 and the F-18 are amazing fighter jets. They have both been used in many military operations worldwide. They have proven themselves to be incredibly effective tools of war. But which one is better?

Aircraft: Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Photo:
Lockheed Martin F16 Fighting Falcon over Iraq in 2008
Blue Angel McDonnell Douglas FA 18 Hornet 1
Country: United States United States
Manufactured: from: 1978 to: Present from: 1983 to: Present
ICAO: - F18
Price: $18 million $29 million
Avionics: Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems Ratheon APG 73
Engine: 1 × Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 2x General Electric F404-GE-402
Engine Type: - Turbofan
Power: 29,160 pound-force 17,750 pound-force
Max Cruise Speed: 1147 knots
2,124 Km/h
1034 knots
1,915 Km/h
Approach Speed (Vref): - 155 knots
Travel Range: 2,280 Nautical Miles
4,223 Kilometers
1,800 Nautical Miles
3,334 Kilometers
Fuel Economy: - 0.68 nautical mile / gallon
0.333 kilometres / litre
Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet 50,000 feet
Rate of Climb: 50000 feet / minute
254.00metre / second
45000 feet / minute
228.60metre / second
Take Off Distance: 345 metre
1,131.88 feet
457 metre
1,499.33 feet
Landing Distance: 457 metre
1,499.33 feet
400 metre
1,312.32 feet
Max Take Off Weight: 19,187 Kg
42,300 lbs
23,590 Kg
52,007 lbs
Max Landing Weight: - -
Max Payload: 7,167 Kg
15,800 lbs
7,000 Kg
15,432 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity: 845 gallon
3,199 litre
2,625 gallon
9,937 litre
Baggage Volume: - -
Seats - Economy: 1 seats 2 seats
Seats - Business Class: - -
Seats - First Class: - -
Cabin Height: - -
Cabin Width: - -
Cabin Length: - -
Exterior Length: 15.06 metre
49.41 feet
17.1 metre
56.10 feet
Tail Height: - 4.7 metre - 15.42 feet
Fuselage Diameter: - -
Wing Span / Rotor Diameter: 9.96 metre
32.68 feet
12.3 metre
40.35 feet
Wing Tips: No Winglets No Winglets
More Info: Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Data presented is for entertainment purposes and should not be used operationally.

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Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon

The F-16 was developed as a fighter plane for the U.S. Air Force. It is a single-engine, supersonic aircraft that is highly maneuverable and can reach speeds of up to Mach 2. The F-16 has been used extensively in combat operations and is considered one of the most successful fighter planes ever built.

Despite its success, the F-16 has not been without its critics. Some have claimed that the plane is too complicated and expensive to maintain and that its high accident rate is proof of this. However, those who have flown the F-16 remain adamant that it is an extraordinary plane and a true force to be reckoned with.

Boeing F/A-18 Hornet

Lockheed Martin’s F-18 was designed as a multirole fighter aircraft for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The F-18 first flew in 1978 and began shipboard trials in 1983. The aircraft has been involved in numerous combat operations, including striking targets in Libya in 1986, bombing Iraqi forces during the Persian Gulf War in 1991, and providing close air support for NATO troops during the Kosovo War in 1999.

The F-18 is still in production today, with newer aircraft versions serving as the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s carrier air wing. Lockheed Martin has also sold the F-18 to several foreign militaries, including Australia, Canada, and Kuwait. Given its longevity and success, it’sit’s clear that the F-18 was an excellent choice for a multirole fighter aircraft.

Differences between the F-16 & F-18

One of the most noticeable differences between the F-16 and the F-18 is their size. The F-16 is a smaller aircraft, making it more agile in the air. The F-18, on the other hand, is slightly larger and heavier, giving it better range and payload capacity. Another difference between these two aircraft is their engines.

The F-16 is powered by a single engine, while the F-18 has two engines. This gives the F-18 more power and flexibility but makes it more expensive to operate. Finally, the weapons systems carried by these two aircraft are also quite different. The F-16 is armed with missiles and bombs, while the F-18 can carry various missiles, bombs, and torpedoes.

This allows the F-18 to perform better in combat, whereas the F-16 is typically used for air-to-air combat. Overall, there are many differences between the F-16 and the F-18. These differences include their size, engine type, and weapon systems. While both aircraft are competent, they each have strengths and weaknesses that make them better suited for different combat roles.

Similarities between the F-16 & F-18

The F-16 and F-18 are both aircraft that were designed for air-to-air combat. The F-16 was designed to be a smaller and more agile aircraft than the F-15, while the F-18 was designed to be a larger and more heavily armed aircraft than the F/A-17. Both aircraft are highly maneuverable and have excellent avionics.

They are also capable of carrying various weapons, including missiles and bombs. In terms of size, the F-16 is approximately 16 feet long with a wingspan of 34 feet, while the F-18 is about 20 feet long with a wingspan of 40 feet. In terms of speed, both aircraft are capable of Mach 2+ speeds.

However, the F-18 has a slightly higher ceiling than the F-16 and is capable of Supercruise, which means it can maintain supersonic speeds without using afterburners. Finally, in terms of range, the F-16 has a combat radius of approximately 500 miles. In comparison, the F-18 has a combat radius of roughly 700 miles.

What’s better about the F-16?

The F-16 is often lauded as one of the best fighter jets in the world. And for a good reason – it’s fast, agile, and packed with advanced features. But what really sets the F-16 apart from other fighter jets?

Here are four things that make the F-16 better than the rest:

  1. Speed: The F-16 can reach speeds of up to Mach 2, making it one of the fastest fighter jets.
  2. Agility: The F-16 is highly maneuverable, thanks to its sleek design and powerful engines. This makes it perfect for dogfights and close-quarters combat.
  3. Weapons: The F-16 is armed with air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and a 20mm cannon. This makes it a formidable opponent in any conflict.
  4. Survivability: The F-16 is designed to take a beating, with armor plating and a reinforced cockpit canopy protecting the pilot from enemy fire. This makes it one of the most durable fighter jets in service today.

So there you have four reasons why the F-16 is better than any other fighter jet out there! If you’re looking for a jet that can do it all, look no further than the trusty F-16.

What’s better about the F-18?

There’sThere’s no question that the F-18 is one of the best fighter jets in the world. But what makes it so great?

Here are four things that make the F-18 a cut above the rest.

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  1. Maneuverability: The F-18 can pull off maneuvers that other jets can only dream of. It can fly at supersonic speeds without losing its agility, making it a fearsome opponent in any dogfight.
  2. Advanced weapons system: The F-18 is equipped with some of the most advanced weaponry available, making it a deadly force in any conflict.
  3. Incredibly Tough: The F-18 is designed to take a beating and keep flying. It can take enemy fire and keep on going, returning fire with interest.
  4. Very versatile: The F-18 can be used in various roles, from dogfighting to ground attack. It can carry a variety of payloads, making it a valuable asset in any mission.

So there you have it – four reasons why the F-18 is one of the best fighter jets in the world today. If you’re looking for a jet that can do it all, the F-18 is worth considering.

Conclusion

Overall, the F-16 and F-18 are incredibly capable fighter jets, each having its own strengths. Ultimately, it comes down to your needs when deciding which jet suits you. If you’re looking for a highly maneuverable aircraft that can dominate in dogfights, then the F-16 may be right for you.

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About the Author

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Rocco
With a passion for aviation, as well as surfing and scanning the web, Rocco is in his element analyzing aircraft data and the differences and similarities between aircraft.