AV-8B Harrier II vs Harrier

British-American ground-attack aircraft, infamously deployed in numerous conflicts including the Gulf War with unique vertical takeoff/landing capabilities.
Picture of AV-8B Harrier II
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
British vertical and short takeoff and landing jet, known for Falklands War deployments and Cold War service.
Picture of Harrier
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer British Aerospace
First flight 28 December 1968
Year introduced 1969
Number produced 380 units
Average unit price $24 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—‰
Profile drawing of McDonnell Douglas/BAe AV-8B Harrier II
Wing area 18.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.7 m â—‰
Height 3.5 m â—‰
Length 13.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1183 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,500 km â—‰
Service ceiling 14,996 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,500 kg â—‰
Empty weight 5,530 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 8,618 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of British Aerospace Harrier

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or Harrier?
The Harrier is faster with a maximum speed of 1,183 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 113 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or Harrier?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the Harrier's 1,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or Harrier?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Harrier's 14,996 meters (49,199 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or Harrier?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,100 kg compared to the Harrier's 11,500 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or Harrier?
The AV-8B Harrier II is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the Harrier's 13.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or Harrier?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the Harrier at $24 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or Harrier?
The Harrier entered service first in 1969, 14 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 Harrier?
The Harrier has been produced in greater numbers with 380 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.