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AV-8B Harrier II vs F-35 Lightning II

McDonnell Douglas/BAe AV-8B Harrier II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇺🇸 AV-8B Harrier II
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning II
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Specifications
AV-8B Harrier II F-35 Lightning II
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas/BAe Lockheed Martin
First flight 6 January 1971 15 December 2006
Year introduced 1983 2013
Number produced 337 units 965 units
Average unit price $26 million $85 million
Wing area 22.6 m² 43.0 m²
Wingspan 9.3 m 11.0 m
Height 3.6 m 4.4 m
Length 14.1 m 15.6 m
Maximum speed 1070 km/h 1960 km/h
Operational range 2,200 km 2,800 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 15,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,100 kg 27,216 kg
Empty weight 6,340 kg 14,651 kg
Total thrust 1 x 10,500 kgf 1 x 19,500 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 890 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 2,200 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14,100 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the AV-8B Harrier II at $26 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The AV-8B Harrier II entered service first in 1983, 30 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.