9 Fighter Jets Compared By Size

Fighter jets are a crucial part of modern military forces, providing air superiority and supporting ground operations. With numerous designs and models in service around the world, comparing their sizes can be fascinating. In this article, we will explore nine different fighter jets, comparing their dimensions and highlighting their unique characteristics.

Introduction to Fighter Jets

Fighter jets have come a long way since their inception during World War II. Modern designs prioritize speed, maneuverability, and stealth capabilities, with each aircraft tailored to specific mission requirements. Size is an essential aspect of a fighter jet's design, as it influences its performance, payload capacity, and overall effectiveness.

Factors Affecting Fighter Jet Size

Several factors contribute to a fighter jet's size, including:

Mission requirements: Different roles, such as air superiority, ground attack, or reconnaissance, demand unique design considerations.
Engine power: More powerful engines often require larger airframes to accommodate them.
Stealth capabilities: Reducing radar cross-sections can lead to more complex, angular designs.
Payload capacity: Carrying larger payloads, such as missiles or fuel tanks, may necessitate a larger airframe.

9 Fighter Jets Compared By Size

We will examine nine different fighter jets, comparing their lengths, wingspans, and maximum takeoff weights.

1. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

Length: 51.4 ft (15.67 m)
Wingspan: 35 ft (10.67 m)
Maximum takeoff weight: 70,000 lb (31,751 kg)

The F-35 is a multi-role fighter jet used by the United States and several other countries. Its size is optimized for stealth capabilities and internal payload capacity.

2. Boeing F/A-18 Hornet

Length: 56 ft (17.07 m)
Wingspan: 40 ft (12.19 m)
Maximum takeoff weight: 55,000 lb (24,947 kg)

The F/A-18 is a multi-role fighter jet used by the United States Navy and several other countries. Its size reflects its design as a versatile, carrier-capable aircraft.

3. Eurofighter Typhoon

Length: 52.4 ft (16 m)
Wingspan: 35.4 ft (10.8 m)
Maximum takeoff weight: 46,000 lb (20,865 kg)

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multi-role fighter jet used by several European countries. Its size is optimized for air superiority and ground attack missions.

4. Saab Gripen

Length: 46.3 ft (14.1 m)
Wingspan: 27.6 ft (8.4 m)
Maximum takeoff weight: 26,000 lb (11,793 kg)

The Saab Gripen is a multi-role fighter jet used by Sweden and several other countries. Its size reflects its design as a lightweight, agile aircraft.

5. Dassault Rafale

Length: 50.7 ft (15.45 m)
Wingspan: 35.4 ft (10.8 m)
Maximum takeoff weight: 44,000 lb (19,958 kg)

The Dassault Rafale is a multi-role fighter jet used by France and several other countries. Its size is optimized for air superiority and ground attack missions.

6. Northrop Grumman F-5 Tiger II

Length: 47.2 ft (14.4 m)
Wingspan: 26.8 ft (8.2 m)
Maximum takeoff weight: 20,700 lb (9,395 kg)

The F-5 Tiger II is a lightweight, multi-role fighter jet used by several countries. Its size reflects its design as a low-cost, easy-to-maintain aircraft.

7. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

Length: 49.2 ft (15 m)
Wingspan: 31.9 ft (9.7 m)
Maximum takeoff weight: 37,500 lb (17,000 kg)

The F-16 is a multi-role fighter jet used by the United States and several other countries. Its size reflects its design as a versatile, reliable aircraft.

8. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29

Length: 56.8 ft (17.3 m)
Wingspan: 36.7 ft (11.2 m)
Maximum takeoff weight: 39,700 lb (18,000 kg)

The MiG-29 is a multi-role fighter jet used by Russia and several other countries. Its size reflects its design as a high-performance, air superiority aircraft.

9. Chengdu J-10

Length: 51.2 ft (15.6 m)
Wingspan: 33.8 ft (10.3 m)
Maximum takeoff weight: 28,700 lb (13,000 kg)

The Chengdu J-10 is a multi-role fighter jet used by China. Its size reflects its design as a lightweight, agile aircraft.

Gallery of Fighter Jets

Fighter Jet Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of comparing fighter jet sizes?

Comparing fighter jet sizes can provide insights into their design priorities, performance capabilities, and intended mission roles.

Which fighter jet is the largest?

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 is the largest fighter jet among the ones compared, with a length of 56.8 ft (17.3 m) and a wingspan of 36.7 ft (11.2 m).

Which fighter jet is the smallest?

The Saab Gripen is the smallest fighter jet among the ones compared, with a length of 46.3 ft (14.1 m) and a wingspan of 27.6 ft (8.4 m).

As we've seen, comparing the sizes of different fighter jets can reveal interesting insights into their design priorities and performance capabilities. Each aircraft has its unique characteristics, reflecting its intended mission role and the trade-offs made during its development.