AV-8B Harrier II vs F-86 Sabre

The AV-8B Harrier II and the F-86 Sabre are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas/BAe and North American respectively. Top speed is 1,070 km/h for the AV-8B Harrier II vs 1,127 km/h for the F-86 Sabre. The AV-8B Harrier II has an operational range of 2,200 km vs 2,454 km for the F-86 Sabre. The F-86 Sabre operates at altitudes up to 15,850 m compared to 15,240 m for the AV-8B Harrier II. The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in 337 units vs 9,860 for the F-86 Sabre. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $1.2M for the F-86 Sabre. The F-86 Sabre first flew 24 years before the AV-8B Harrier II (1947 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 jet, iconic of the Korean War period, widely operational across cold-war frontline, supersonic, and recognized for its dog-fighting capability.
North American F-86 Sabre Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer North American
First flight 1 October 1947
Year introduced 1949
Number produced 9860 units
Average unit price $1.2 million
Wing area 22.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.3 m â—‰
Height 3.6 m â—‰
Length 14.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1070 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,200 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 14,100 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,340 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 10,500 kgf â—‰
Wing area 28.1 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.3 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 11.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1127 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,454 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,850 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 9,621 kg â—‰
Empty weight 5,443 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 3,402 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre is faster with a maximum speed of 1,127 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 57 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has a longer range at 2,454 km compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 2,200 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has a higher service ceiling at 15,850 meters (52,001 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-86 Sabre?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,100 kg compared to the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-86 Sabre?
The AV-8B Harrier II is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-86 Sabre?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the F-86 Sabre at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 34 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-86 Sabre?
The F-86 Sabre has been produced in greater numbers with 9,860 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.