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F-4 Phantom II vs. Sukhoi Su-57

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F-4

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Su-57

Role
Fighter-bomberMulitrole fighter
Generation
3rd generation5th generation
National Origin
United StatesRussia
Manufacturer
McDonnell DouglasSukhoi
Price (USD)
$3 Million$42 Million
Primary Users
US NavyRussian Aerospace Forces
First Flight
19582010
Last Production Year
1981In Production
# Units Built
5,195>16
Status
RetiredIn Service
Seats
21
Length
19 m63 ft
20 m65 ft
Wingspan
11 m38 ft
14 m46 ft
Wing Area
49 m²529 ft²
78 m²848 ft²
Height
5 m16 ft
4 m15 ft
Empty Weight
13,757 kg30,330 lbs
17,999 kg39,680 lbs
Gross Weight
18,824 kg41,500 lbs
25,002 kg55,120 lbs
MTOW
28,030 kg61,795 lbs
34,999 kg77,160 lbs
Fuel Capacity
7,257 kg16,000 lbs
10,297 kg22,700 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Type
TurbojetTurbofan
Engine Manufacturer
General ElectricSaturn
Engine Model
J79-GE-17AAL-41F1
Dry Thrust
53 kN11,905 lbs
88 kN19,900 lbs
Thrust w/ Afterburner
79 kN17,845 lbf
142 kN32,000 lbf
Max Thrust
159 kN35,690 lbf
284 kN64,000 lbf
Max Speed (Mach)
Mach 2.23Mach 2.00
Top Speed
2,371 km/h1,473 mph
2,136 km/h1,327 mph
Range
2,815 km1,520 nm
3,519 km1,900 nm
Rate of Climb
208 m/s41,000 ft/min
325 m/s64,000 ft/min
Ceiling
17,069 m56,000 ft
20,117 m66,000 ft
G Limit
6 g9 g

What Are the Differences Between the F-4 Phantom II and Sukhoi Su-57

F-4 Phantom II vs Sukhoi Su-57 Size Comparison

  • At 20.10 meters, the Sukhoi Su-57 is 0.90 meters longer than the F-4 Phantom II.
  • With a wingspan of 14.10 meters, the Sukhoi Su-57 is 2.40 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The wing area of the F-4 Phantom II is 0.40 meters bigger than that of the Sukhoi Su-57’s 4.60 meters.

F-4 Phantom II vs Sukhoi Su-57 Price

  • The Sukhoi Su-57 is more expensive than the F-4 Phantom II, with a unit cost of approximately 42 million compared to the F-4 Phantom II’s unit cost of approximately 3 million.

F-4 Phantom II vs Sukhoi Su-57 Speed

  • The F-4 Phantom II has a top speed of 1,473 miles per hour, and the Sukhoi Su-57 has a top speed of 1,327 miles per hour. Head to head, this makes the F-4 Phantom II 146 miles per hour faster than the Sukhoi Su-57.

About the F-4 Phantom II

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is one of the most significant fighter jets in military aviation history, known for its versatility, powerful performance, and distinctive appearance. Initially developed for the US Navy in the late 1950s, the F-4 Phantom II set numerous speed and altitude records for its time and was later adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force.

Production History: The F-4 Phantom II was designed to meet the U.S. Navy's need for a supersonic fighter capable of carrying a significant payload over long distances, without sacrificing speed and maneuverability. The aircraft saw extensive combat in the Vietnam War, serving in both ground-attack and air superiority roles. Production ran from 1958 to 1981, with over 5,000 units built, making it one of the most produced American supersonic military aircraft.

Design Features: Characterized by its large size, twin engines, and tandem two-seat configuration, the F-4 Phantom II was designed without an internal cannon in its initial versions, relying instead on missiles for air combat. The F-4's distinctive design included drooping tail fins and diagonal tail wings, contributing to its recognizable silhouette.

Operational History: The F-4 Phantom II saw extensive use in the Vietnam War, where it performed admirably in dogfighting against lighter North Vietnamese aircraft, as well as in bombing missions. It was also a key figure in American air power throughout the Cold War. The F-4 served with distinction in later conflicts such as the Persian Gulf War and remained in use by several countries into the 21st century.

Comparison with Similar Models:

F-4 Phantom II vs. F-105 Thunderchief

Role and Capabilities: Both aircraft were critical to the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. The F-105 was primarily used for deep strike bombing missions, while the F-4 served in a wider range of roles, including air superiority, fleet defense, and reconnaissance.

Performance: The F-105 Thunderchief, known as the "Thud," was the faster of the two at low altitude and carried a larger bomb load for ground-attack missions. However, the F-4 Phantom II's superior agility, higher service ceiling, and ability to operate from carriers made it a more adaptable and formidable aircraft.

F-4 Phantom II vs. MiG-21

Design: The MiG-21 was the Soviet Union's counterpart to the F-4 during the Vietnam War. It was smaller, lighter, and offered greater agility, designed primarily for air superiority with a secondary ground-attack capability. In contrast, the F-4 was a larger, more versatile fighter-bomber that could engage targets at longer ranges with its superior radar and missile armament.

Operational Capabilities: The MiG-21's agility made it a formidable adversary in visual range dogfights, while the F-4's powerful engines, advanced avionics, and diverse weapons loadout gave it an edge in beyond-visual-range engagements and multirole missions.

About the Sukhoi Su-57

The Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon" is Russia's first fifth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft, designed to have supercruise, supermaneuverability, stealth, and advanced avionics. Developed by Sukhoi Company (JSC), the Su-57 is intended to serve as the foundation of Russian air power for the future. Its development reflects Russia's aim to field a stealth fighter that can compete with Western models such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

Production History: The Su-57's development began in the early 2000s, with the first prototype, then known as the PAK FA (Prospective Aviation Complex of Frontline Aviation), taking to the skies in 2010. After an extensive testing and development phase, the aircraft was officially designated as the Su-57 and entered service in December 2020. The production aims to modernize the Russian Aerospace Forces with a platform capable of achieving air superiority and precision strike capabilities.

Design Features: The Su-57 features a unique blend of stealth characteristics, including internal weapon bays, radar-absorbent material, and a shape designed to minimize radar cross-section. It is powered by Saturn izdeliye 30 engines, enabling supercruise capability. The aircraft's design emphasizes advanced aerodynamics, allowing for exceptional agility and control at various speeds.

Operational History: Although relatively new to operational service, the Su-57 has already seen preliminary deployment in Syria for combat evaluation purposes. These deployments have allowed Russian forces to test the aircraft's performance in real-world conditions, evaluating its stealth, sensors, and weapons systems against a backdrop of active conflict.

Comparison with Similar Models:

Su-57 "Felon" vs. F-22 Raptor

Stealth and Agility: The F-22 Raptor is acclaimed for its stealth capabilities and supermaneuverability. The Su-57 aims to match these features with its own stealth design and thrust-vectoring engines.

Avionics and Systems Integration: Both aircraft boast advanced avionics suites designed for situational awareness and network-centric warfare. The Su-57's systems aim to rival the F-22's by offering advanced radar, electronic warfare, and data link capabilities.

Su-57 "Felon" vs. F-35 Lightning II

Multi-Role Flexibility: The F-35 is designed as a multi-role fighter with a strong emphasis on strike missions and stealth. In contrast, the Su-57 offers a blend of air superiority and ground attack capabilities.

Technology and Export Potential: While the F-35 has seen widespread export to numerous countries, the Su-57 is currently focused on fulfilling the needs of the Russian Aerospace Forces. However, its advanced technology and potential cost advantages make it a contender for future international sales.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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