F-16 vs F-18

By: Rocco

Comparing the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon vs the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

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Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Fighter Jets
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
ICAO: — Status: Inactive Visit aircraft page
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Fighter Jets
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
ICAO: F18 Status: Inactive Visit aircraft page

General

Units
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 -18% (total)
Avionics
Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Manufacturer
Boeing
ICAO code
F18
Produced
1983–Present
Price
$29 million (2006)
Engine
2 × General Electric F404-GE-402
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 17,750 lbf · 79 kN +22% (total)
Avionics
Ratheon APG 73
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2

Dimensions

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 -12%
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 -19%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
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
56 ft 1 in 17.10 m 56 ft 1 in 17.10 m +14%
Tail height
15 ft 5 in 4.70 m 15 ft 5 in 4.70 m
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Wing span
40 ft 4 in 12.30 m 40 ft 4 in 12.30 m +23%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m

Weights

Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Max payload
15,800 lb 7,150 kg 15,800 lb 7,150 kg +2%
Fuel capacity
845 gal 3,199 L 845 gal 3,199 L -68%
Max takeoff weight
42,300 lb 19,200 kg 42,300 lb 19,200 kg -19%
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Max payload
15,400 lb 7,000 kg 15,400 lb 7,000 kg -2%
Fuel capacity
2,625 gal 9,937 L 2,625 gal 9,937 L +211%
Max takeoff weight
52,000 lb 23,600 kg 52,000 lb 23,600 kg +23%

Performance

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 +11%
Approach speed
— — —
Rate of climb
50,000 ft/min 254 m/s 50,000 ft/min 254 m/s +11%
Range
2,280 nm · 2,620 mi 4,220 km 2,280 nm 2,620 mi 4,220 km +27%
Service ceiling
50,000 ft 15,200 m 50,000 ft 15,200 m 0%
Takeoff distance
1,130 ft 350 m 1,130 ft 350 m -25%
Landing distance
1,500 ft 460 m 1,500 ft 460 m +14%
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Max cruise speed
1,034 kt · 1,190 mph 1,915 km/h 1,034 kt 1,190 mph 1,915 km/h -10%
Approach speed
155 kt · 178 mph 287 km/h 155 kt 178 mph 287 km/h
Rate of climb
45,000 ft/min 229 m/s 45,000 ft/min 229 m/s -10%
Range
1,800 nm · 2,070 mi 3,330 km 1,800 nm 2,070 mi 3,330 km -21%
Service ceiling
50,000 ft 15,200 m 50,000 ft 15,200 m 0%
Takeoff distance
1,500 ft 460 m 1,500 ft 460 m +32%
Landing distance
1,310 ft 400 m 1,310 ft 400 m -12%

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?

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.

  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.