AV-8B Harrier II vs MiG-17 Fresco

Overview

The AV-8B Harrier II and the MiG-17 Fresco are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas/BAe and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively.

Top speed is 1,070 km/h for the AV-8B Harrier II vs 1,193 km/h for the MiG-17 Fresco. The AV-8B Harrier II has an operational range of 2,200 km vs 2,020 km for the MiG-17 Fresco. The MiG-17 Fresco operates at altitudes up to 15,600 m compared to 15,240 m for the AV-8B Harrier II. At 14,100 kg MTOW, the AV-8B Harrier II is 2.7x the MiG-17 Fresco's 5,210 kg.

The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in 337 units vs 10,649 for the MiG-17 Fresco. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $0.6M for the MiG-17 Fresco. The MiG-17 Fresco first flew 21 years before the AV-8B Harrier II (1950 vs 1971).

AV-8B Harrier II

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
→ View full AV-8B Harrier II details

MiG-17 Fresco

Soviet jet fighter, renowned for significant roles during the Vietnam War, utilized for interception and ground-attack missions.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-17 Fresco Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 14 January 1950
Year introduced 1952
Number produced 10649 units
Average unit price $600K
→ View full MiG-17 Fresco details

AV-8B Harrier II

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 ◉

MiG-17 Fresco

Wing area 22.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.6 m ◉
Height 3.8 m ◉
Length 11.3 m ◉
Maximum speed 1193 km/h ◉
Operational range 2,020 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,600 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 5,210 kg ◉
Empty weight 3,705 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 2,000 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-17 Fresco?
The MiG-17 Fresco is faster with a maximum speed of 1,193 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 123 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-17 Fresco?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the MiG-17 Fresco's 2,020 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-17 Fresco?
The MiG-17 Fresco has a higher service ceiling at 15,600 meters (51,181 ft) compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-17 Fresco?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,100 kg compared to the MiG-17 Fresco's 5,210 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-17 Fresco?
The AV-8B Harrier II is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the MiG-17 Fresco's 11.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-17 Fresco?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the MiG-17 Fresco at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-17 Fresco?
The MiG-17 Fresco entered service first in 1952, 31 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 MiG-17 Fresco?
The MiG-17 Fresco has been produced in greater numbers with 10,649 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.

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