10 Fighter Jets Compared By Size

The world of military aviation is a fascinating one, with various countries showcasing their technological prowess through the development of advanced fighter jets. These sleek and powerful machines play a crucial role in defending a nation's airspace and projecting power beyond its borders. One of the key aspects of a fighter jet's design is its size, which can significantly impact its performance, maneuverability, and overall effectiveness. In this article, we'll delve into the world of fighter jets and compare ten of the most iconic ones by size.

Factors Affecting Fighter Jet Size

Before we dive into the comparison, it's essential to understand the factors that influence a fighter jet's size. These include:

Mission requirements: The intended use of the fighter jet, such as air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, or reconnaissance, can impact its size.
Propulsion: The type and number of engines used can affect the overall size and shape of the aircraft.
Payload capacity: The amount of ordnance or fuel a fighter jet can carry influences its size and weight.
Stealth capabilities: The incorporation of stealth features, such as radar-absorbing materials and angled surfaces, can increase a fighter jet's size.

The Comparison

Now, let's compare ten iconic fighter jets by size, from the smallest to the largest:

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15

The MiG-15 is a Soviet-era fighter jet that measures 10.85 meters (35.6 feet) in length, 3.7 meters (12.1 feet) in height, and has a wingspan of 10.2 meters (33.5 feet).

North American F-100 Super Sabre

The F-100 Super Sabre is an American fighter jet that measures 15.1 meters (49.6 feet) in length, 4.9 meters (16.1 feet) in height, and has a wingspan of 11.8 meters (38.7 feet).

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

The F-104 Starfighter is an American fighter jet that measures 16.7 meters (54.8 feet) in length, 4.1 meters (13.5 feet) in height, and has a wingspan of 6.7 meters (22 feet).

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21

The MiG-21 is a Soviet-era fighter jet that measures 14.7 meters (48.2 feet) in length, 4.1 meters (13.5 feet) in height, and has a wingspan of 7.1 meters (23.3 feet).

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

The F-4 Phantom II is an American fighter jet that measures 19.2 meters (63 feet) in length, 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height, and has a wingspan of 11.8 meters (38.7 feet).

Dassault Mirage III

The Mirage III is a French fighter jet that measures 15 meters (49.2 feet) in length, 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) in height, and has a wingspan of 8.2 meters (26.9 feet).

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American fighter jet that measures 15.1 meters (49.6 feet) in length, 4.8 meters (15.7 feet) in height, and has a wingspan of 9.9 meters (32.5 feet).

Mitsubishi F-2

The F-2 is a Japanese fighter jet that measures 15.5 meters (50.9 feet) in length, 4.9 meters (16.1 feet) in height, and has a wingspan of 11.1 meters (36.4 feet).

Sukhoi Su-35

The Su-35 is a Russian fighter jet that measures 21.9 meters (72 feet) in length, 6.3 meters (20.7 feet) in height, and has a wingspan of 15.3 meters (50.2 feet).

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

The F-22 Raptor is an American fighter jet that measures 18.9 meters (62 feet) in length, 5.1 meters (16.7 feet) in height, and has a wingspan of 13.6 meters (44.6 feet).

Conclusion: Size Matters, But Not Always

In conclusion, while size is an essential factor in a fighter jet's design, it's not the only consideration. Other factors like propulsion, payload capacity, and stealth capabilities play a significant role in determining a fighter jet's overall effectiveness. The comparison of these ten iconic fighter jets by size highlights the diversity of design approaches and the trade-offs that come with each.