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AV-8B Harrier II vs F/A-18 Hornet

AV-8B Harrier II vs F/A-18 Hornet at a glance — top speed 1,070 vs 1,915 km/h, range 3,300 vs 2,017 km, max takeoff weight 14,100 vs 23,541 kg, built 337 vs 1,480 units.

McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇺🇸 AV-8B Harrier II
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 Hornet
Specifications
AV-8B Harrier II F/A-18 Hornet
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas McDonnell Douglas
First flight 6 January 1971 18 November 1978
Year introduced 1983 1983
Number produced 337 units 1480 units
Average unit price $26 million $29 million
Wing area 22.6 m² 38.0 m²
Wingspan 9.3 m 12.3 m
Height 3.6 m 4.7 m
Length 14.1 m 17.1 m
Maximum speed 1070 km/h 1915 km/h
Operational range 3,300 km 2,017 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 15,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,100 kg 23,541 kg
Empty weight 6,340 kg 10,433 kg
Total thrust 1 x 10,500 kgf 2 x 8,051 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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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 3,300 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.