AV-8B Harrier II vs J-8 Finback

The AV-8B Harrier II and the J-8 Finback are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas/BAe and Shenyang respectively. The J-8 Finback reaches 2,300 km/h — 2.1x the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h. The AV-8B Harrier II has an operational range of 2,200 km vs 1,000 km for the J-8 Finback. The J-8 Finback operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 15,240 m for the AV-8B Harrier II. The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in 337 units vs 408 for the J-8 Finback. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $15M for the J-8 Finback. The J-8 Finback first flew 2 years before the AV-8B Harrier II (1969 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
Chinese interceptor, operational from the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for aerial warfare by the People's Liberation Army Air Force.
Shenyang J-8 Finback Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Shenyang
First flight 5 July 1969
Year introduced 1980
Number produced 408 units
Average unit price $15 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 -- m²
Wingspan 9.3 m
Height 5.4 m
Length 21.5 m
Maximum speed 2300 km/h
Operational range 1,000 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 18,879 kg
Empty weight 10,371 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,794 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or J-8 Finback?
The J-8 Finback is faster with a maximum speed of 2,300 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 1,230 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or J-8 Finback?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the J-8 Finback's 1,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or J-8 Finback?
The J-8 Finback has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or J-8 Finback?
The J-8 Finback has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 18,879 kg compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14,100 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or J-8 Finback?
The J-8 Finback is longer at 21.5 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or J-8 Finback?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the J-8 Finback at $15 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or J-8 Finback?
The J-8 Finback entered service first in 1980, 3 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 J-8 Finback?
The J-8 Finback has been produced in greater numbers with 408 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.