AV-8B Harrier II vs F-4 Phantom II

The AV-8B Harrier II and the F-4 Phantom II are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas/BAe and McDonnell respectively. The F-4 Phantom II reaches 2,370 km/h — 2.2x the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h. The AV-8B Harrier II has an operational range of 2,200 km vs 680 km for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-4 Phantom II 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 5,195 for the F-4 Phantom II. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $3M for the F-4 Phantom II. The F-4 Phantom II first flew 13 years before the AV-8B Harrier II (1958 vs 1971).

British-American ground-attack aircraft, infamously deployed in numerous conflicts including the Gulf War with unique vertical takeoff/landing capabilities.
McDonnell Douglas/BAe AV-8B Harrier II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas/BAe
First flight 6 January 1971
Year introduced 1983
Number produced 337 units
Average unit price $26 million
American fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts.
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell
First flight 27 May 1958
Year introduced 1962
Number produced 5195 units
Average unit price $3 million
Wing area 22.6 m²
Wingspan 9.3 m
Height 3.6 m
Length 14.1 m
Maximum speed 1070 km/h
Operational range 2,200 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,100 kg
Empty weight 6,340 kg
Total thrust 1 x 10,500 kgf
Wing area 49.2 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 5.0 m
Length 19.0 m
Maximum speed 2370 km/h
Operational range 680 km
Service ceiling 18,288 m
Max. takeoff weight 28,030 kg
Empty weight 13,757 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,093 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II is faster with a maximum speed of 2,370 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 1,300 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-4 Phantom II?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II 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-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14,100 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-4 Phantom II?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the F-4 Phantom II at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II entered service first in 1962, 21 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-4 Phantom II?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.