Detailed analysis of maximum thrust with and without afterburner on current American, Russian and European fighter aircraft.
The maximum thrust of fighter aircraft is a fundamental criterion for assessing their operational performance. It determines their ability to maneuver, climb rapidly, intercept or extricate themselves from combat. Yet comparative data on this characteristic are often misinterpreted, or relayed without context. It is essential, however, to compare both dry thrust and afterburner thrust, taking into account the empty weight of each aircraft. This parameter makes it possible to analyze the thrust/weight ratio, which reveals the margins for acceleration or ascent. This dossier offers a precise and pragmatic technical study, based on available figures for American, Russian and European fighters. Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen E, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, Su-30, Su-35, Su-57, MiG-29: all the main models are included here, with no frills and no agreed rhetoric.
The maximum thrust of American fighter jets
American fighter jets are characterized by powerful engines, designed for rapid acceleration, high climb capability and a large payload. The figures show marked differences between generations.
F-16C Block 50
The General Electric F110-GE-129 delivers 131 kN with afterburner, for 76.3 kN dry. With an empty weight of around 8,570 kg, its thrust-to-weight ratio reaches 1.07 with afterburner (in light configuration). This is one of the best figures in its class.
F/A-18E Super Hornet
Its two General Electric F414-GE-400 engines each deliver 98 kN with afterburner, 57.8 kN dry, for a combined thrust of 196 kN. The aircraft weighs 14,600 kg empty, with a thrust-to-weight ratio in excess of 0.85 with afterburner, well suited to on-board operations but less efficient than its land-based equivalents.
F-22 Raptor
Its two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines each produce 156 kN with afterburner, for a total of 312 kN, and 116 kN dry weight per engine. With an empty weight of 19,700 kg, it exceeds a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.25 with afterburner, making it one of the most powerful engines on the market.
F-35A Lightning II
The F135-PW-100 delivers 191 kN with afterburner, 125 kN dry. The F-35A weighs 13,290 kg empty, with a maximum thrust-to-weight ratio of around 1.05, lower than that of the F-22, but balanced by its stealth and integrated sensors.
The gross thrust of American aircraft remains high, but their increasing weight often absorbs the engine gain. The thrust-to-weight ratio has not evolved as much as in previous generations, despite the more powerful engines.
Maximum thrust on Russian fighters
Russian fighters are equipped with very powerful engines, but are often less efficient at intermediate speeds. They give priority to raw thrust, sometimes to the detriment of fuel consumption or reliability. Thrust-to-weight ratios are generally very high, especially in light versions.
MiG-29 Fulcrum
Two RD-33s produce 81.3 kN with afterburner each, 50 kN dry, for a total of 162.6 kN. With an empty weight of 10,900 kg, the thrust-to-weight ratio reaches 1.08, making it very agile in close combat.
Su-30SM
Its AL-31FP delivers 123 kN with afterburner, 76.2 kN dry, for a total of 246 kN. The Su-30SM weighs 17,700 kg empty, with a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.98, lower than that of the MiG-29, but with a significantly higher payload.
Su-35S
Its AL-41F1S engines achieve 142 kN with afterburner, 86.3 kN dry, for a total of 284 kN. With an empty weight of 19,000 kg, its thrust-to-weight ratio is close to 1.1, which compensates for its high mass.
Su-57 Felon
Its Series 1 engines (Izdeliye 117) reach 147 kN with afterburner, 93 kN dry. Future versions (Izdeliye 30) could exceed 170 kN. At 18,000 kg empty, the Su-57 achieves a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.15 in light configuration.
Russian fighters focus on raw thrust and super-maneuverability capabilities. The Su-57 aims to combine stealth and agility, but its definitive motorization remains uncertain.
Maximum thrust for European fighter jets
Europe is developing its own engines, with intermediate performance between American and Russian standards, but with greater fuel efficiency.
Dassault Rafale
Its two Snecma M88-2 engines reach 75 kN with afterburner, 50 kN dry, for a total of 150 kN. At 10,300 kg empty, the Rafale achieves a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.1, offering an excellent compromise between power, maneuverability and endurance.
Eurofighter Typhoon
Its two EJ200s produce 90 kN with afterburner, 60 kN dry, for a total of 180 kN. At 11,000 kg empty, its thrust-to-weight ratio exceeds 1.2, making it one of the most dynamic aircraft in its segment.
Saab JAS 39E Gripen
Its GE F414-GE-39E engine, derived from that of the F/A-18, achieves 98 kN with afterburner, 61 kN dry. The aircraft weighs 8,000 kg empty, with a thrust-to-weight ratio close to 1.22, which is remarkable for a single-engine aircraft.
Europe has succeeded in maintaining competitive thrust-to-weight ratios, even with smaller engines. The Rafale and the Gripen E demonstrate well-thought-out aerodynamic efficiency.
Comparative data and thoughts
The table below summarizes the maximum thrust of fighter aircraft, in kN, with their empty weights (kg) and approximate thrust-to-weight ratios:
| Aircraft | Max thrust (kN) | Dry thrust (kN) | Empty mass (kg) | P/P ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-16C | 131 | 76 | 8,570 | 1.07 |
| F/A-18E | 196 | 115 | 14,600 | 0.85 |
| F-22 | 312 | 232 | 19,700 | 1.25 |
| F-35A | 191 | 125 | 13,290 | 1.05 |
| MiG-29 | 163 | 100 | 10,900 | 1, 08 |
| Su-30SM | 246 | 152 | 17,700 | 0.98 |
| Su-35S | 284 | 172 | 19,000 | 1.1 |
| Su-57 | 294 | 186 | 18,000 | 1.15 |
| Rafale | 150 | 100 | 10,300 | 1.1 |
| Eurofighter | 180 | 120 | 11,000 | 1.2 |
| Gripen E | 98 | 61 | 8,000 | 1.22 |
It’s worth remembering that the maximum thrust of fighter jets is not an isolated figure. It must be analyzed in relation to actual weight, drag, payload and mission configuration. A fighter aircraft is not judged by its raw numbers alone, but by its actual mission effectiveness. Some very powerful aircraft are penalized by their weight, while others are lighter and optimize their propulsion better.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.