5 Comparisons of F-15 and F-16 Fighter Jets, Which is Superior?

JAKARTA – The comparison of F-15 and F-16 fighter jets is not widely known. Basically, the F-16 is a newer variant, but that does not mean that its capabilities and technology surpass its predecessor.

The F-15 Eagle fighter jet entered service with the US Air Force in 1976. The performance of this aircraft is far from its predecessor, the F-4, on various spectrums, from speed and altitude to endurance.

However, if compared to the F-16 which is known to have almost the same dimensions as the F-4, then will the F-15 be superior? The comparison of fighter aircraft capabilities is not only based on dimensions, but also the weapons and capabilities they have.

The background to the creation of the F-16 aircraft was the US military’s need for a new fighter aircraft that would be cheaper, lighter and more maneuverable than the F-15 after the Vietnam War.

Comparison of F-15 and F-16 Fighter Jets

1. Dimensions

The F-15 fighter jet is 19.4 meters long, with a wingspan of 13 meters. While its height reaches 5.6 meters, with an empty weight of 12700.5 kg and a maximum weight of 20184.8 kg.

For the smaller F-16 fighter jet, it is 14.9 meters long, with a wingspan of 9.7 meters and a wing area of ​​91.4 square meters. The aircraft, which is 4.6 meters high, weighs 8572.89 kg for empty weight and a maximum weight of 12020.19 kg.

2. Cost

Due to its smaller size, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is a cheaper aircraft due to its simple maintenance design. This is facilitated by its single-engine design and lack of mechanical complexity.

Of course, this is very different from the F-15, which until now is still known as the most expensive jet and only capable countries can buy it.

3. Speed

In terms of speed, these two aircraft have a comparison that is not observed far even though the F-15 is still superior. At low altitudes, the F-15 is capable of speeding up to Mach 1.2 (1,450 km/h) and is capable of speeding up to Mach 2.5 (3,018 km/h) for high altitudes.

For the F-16, it is capable of speeds up to Mach 1.2 (1,470 km/h) at low altitudes, and Mach 2+ (2,410 km/h) at high altitudes.

4. Machine

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine aircraft, although it uses the same Pratt and Whitney P100 jet engine as the F-15 Eagle. Because it is only equipped with one engine, this aircraft has less than optimal stability.

Unlike the F-15 which has been equipped with twin engines. Even the F-15 Eagle is capable of climbing straight up at a 90-degree angle, thanks to its twin-engine design that provides powerful acceleration, and can climb to an altitude of 30 feet (about 000 km) in just 10 minutes.

5. Main Functions

The differences that have been compared above refer to the main functions of the two mainstay US aircraft.

Where the role of the F-15 Eagle is to operate as a primary fighter aircraft that plays a role in bringing down enemies. While the F-16 Fighting Falcon operates as a multirole fighter aircraft.

That is the comparison of F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. Where in terms of capability, the F15 is indeed far superior because of its role as a main fighter aircraft.

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