AV-8B Harrier II vs F/A-18 Hornet
Overview
The AV-8B Harrier II and the F/A-18 Hornet are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas/BAe and McDonnell Douglas respectively.
Top speed is 1,070 km/h for the AV-8B Harrier II vs 1,915 km/h for the F/A-18 Hornet. The AV-8B Harrier II has an operational range of 2,200 km vs 2,017 km for the F/A-18 Hornet. The AV-8B Harrier II operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 15,000 m for the F/A-18 Hornet.
The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in 337 units vs 1,480 for the F/A-18 Hornet. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $29M for the F/A-18 Hornet. The AV-8B Harrier II first flew 7 years before the F/A-18 Hornet (1971 vs 1978).
| British-American ground-attack aircraft, infamously deployed in numerous conflicts including the Gulf War with unique vertical takeoff/landing capabilities. | |
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| 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 carrier-capable multirole strike fighter, designed in the late 20th century, deployed extensively in a variety of combat roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas |
| First flight | 18 November 1978 |
| Year introduced | 1983 |
| Number produced | 1480 units |
| Average unit price | $29 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 | 38.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 12.3 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 17.1 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1915 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,017 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 23,541 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 10,433 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 6,350 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet is faster with a maximum speed of 1,915 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 845 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or F/A-18 Hornet?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 2,017 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or F/A-18 Hornet?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,541 kg compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14,100 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet is more expensive at approximately $29 million per unit compared to the AV-8B Harrier II at $26 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or F/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet entered service first in 1983, 0 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/A-18 Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 1,480 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.