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A-7 Corsair II vs AV-8B Harrier II

Vought A-7 Corsair II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-7 Corsair II
McDonnell Douglas/BAe AV-8B Harrier II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇺🇸 AV-8B Harrier II
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Specifications
A-7 Corsair II AV-8B Harrier II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Vought McDonnell Douglas/BAe
First flight 27 September 1965 6 January 1971
Year introduced 1966 1983
Number produced 1545 units 337 units
Average unit price $2 million $26 million
Wing area 34.8 m² 22.6 m²
Wingspan 11.8 m 9.3 m
Height 4.9 m 3.6 m
Length 14.1 m 14.1 m
Maximum speed 1123 km/h 1070 km/h
Operational range 1,981 km 2,200 km
Service ceiling 12,800 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 19,050 kg 14,100 kg
Empty weight 8,840 kg 6,340 kg
Total thrust 1 x 6,795 kgf 1 x 10,500 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-7 Corsair II and the AV-8B Harrier II are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Vought and McDonnell Douglas/BAe respectively.

Top speed is 1,123 km/h for the A-7 Corsair II vs 1,070 km/h for the AV-8B Harrier II. The A-7 Corsair II has an operational range of 1,981 km vs 2,200 km for the AV-8B Harrier II. The AV-8B Harrier II operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 12,800 m for the A-7 Corsair II.

The A-7 Corsair II has been produced in 1,545 units vs 337 for the AV-8B Harrier II. Unit cost is $2M for the A-7 Corsair II vs $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II. The A-7 Corsair II first flew 6 years before the AV-8B Harrier II (1965 vs 1971).

Related Comparisons
A-7 Corsair II vs MiG-15 Fagot A-7 Corsair II vs MiG-21 Fishbed A-7 Corsair II vs MiG-17 Fresco A-7 Corsair II vs F-86 Sabre A-7 Corsair II vs F-84 Thunderjet A-7 Corsair II vs F-4 Phantom II

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-7 Corsair II or AV-8B Harrier II?
The A-7 Corsair II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,123 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 53 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-7 Corsair II or AV-8B Harrier II?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the A-7 Corsair II's 1,981 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-7 Corsair II or AV-8B Harrier II?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the A-7 Corsair II's 12,800 meters (41,994 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-7 Corsair II or AV-8B Harrier II?
The A-7 Corsair II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,050 kg compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14,100 kg.
Which is larger, the A-7 Corsair II or AV-8B Harrier II?
The AV-8B Harrier II is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the A-7 Corsair II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-7 Corsair II or AV-8B Harrier II?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the A-7 Corsair II at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-7 Corsair II or AV-8B Harrier II?
The A-7 Corsair II entered service first in 1966, 17 years before the AV-8B Harrier II which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-7 Corsair II or AV-8B Harrier II?
The A-7 Corsair II has been produced in greater numbers with 1,545 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.