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AV-8B Harrier II vs F-16 Fighting Falcon

McDonnell Douglas/BAe AV-8B Harrier II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇺🇸 AV-8B Harrier II
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-16 Fighting Falcon
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Specifications
AV-8B Harrier II F-16 Fighting Falcon
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas/BAe General Dynamics
First flight 6 January 1971 2 February 1974
Year introduced 1983 1979
Number produced 337 units 4604 units
Average unit price $26 million $75 million
Wing area 22.6 m² 27.9 m²
Wingspan 9.3 m 10.0 m
Height 3.6 m 4.9 m
Length 14.1 m 15.1 m
Maximum speed 1070 km/h 2410 km/h
Operational range 2,200 km 546 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 18,288 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,100 kg 19,200 kg
Empty weight 6,340 kg 8,570 kg
Total thrust 1 x 10,500 kgf 1 x 7,777 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AV-8B Harrier II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas/BAe and General Dynamics respectively.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon reaches 2,410 km/h — 2.3x the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h. The AV-8B Harrier II has an operational range of 2,200 km vs 546 km for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The F-16 Fighting Falcon operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 15,240 m for the AV-8B Harrier II.

The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in 337 units vs 4,604 for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $75M for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The AV-8B Harrier II first flew 3 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon (1971 vs 1974).

Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 1,340 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,200 kg compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14,100 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is longer at 15.1 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the AV-8B Harrier II at $26 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon entered service first in 1979, 4 years before the AV-8B Harrier II which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-16 Fighting Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.