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A-4 Skyhawk vs Sea Harrier

A-4 Skyhawk vs Sea Harrier at a glance — top speed 1,077 vs 1,145 km/h, range 4,063 vs 3,222 km, max takeoff weight 11,136 vs 11,884 kg, built 2,960 vs 111 units.

McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-4 SkyhawkFull specs
British Aerospace Sea Harrier combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 Sea HarrierFull specs
Specifications
A-4 Skyhawk Sea Harrier
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas British Aerospace
First flight 22 June 1954 20 August 1978
Year introduced 1956 1980
Number produced 2960 units 111 units
Average unit price $2 million $15.6 million
Wing area 24.2 m² 18.7 m²
Wingspan 8.4 m 7.7 m
Height 4.6 m 3.7 m
Length 12.2 m 14.2 m
Maximum speed 1077 km/h 1145 km/h
Operational range 4,063 km 3,222 km
Service ceiling 12,880 m 16,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,136 kg 11,884 kg
Empty weight 4,750 kg 6,616 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,100 kgf 1 x 96 kN
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-4 Skyhawk or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier is faster with a maximum speed of 1,145 km/h compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 1,077 km/h, a difference of 68 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-4 Skyhawk or Sea Harrier?
The A-4 Skyhawk has a longer range at 4,063 km compared to the Sea Harrier's 3,222 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-4 Skyhawk or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12,880 meters (42,257 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-4 Skyhawk or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,884 kg compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 11,136 kg.
Which is larger, the A-4 Skyhawk or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier is longer at 14.2 meters compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-4 Skyhawk or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier is more expensive at approximately $16 million per unit compared to the A-4 Skyhawk at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-4 Skyhawk or Sea Harrier?
The A-4 Skyhawk entered service first in 1956, 24 years before the Sea Harrier which entered service in 1980.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-4 Skyhawk or Sea Harrier?
The A-4 Skyhawk has been produced in greater numbers with 2,960 units compared to 111 units of the Sea Harrier.