AV-8B Harrier II vs MiG-23 Flogger
The AV-8B Harrier II and the MiG-23 Flogger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas/BAe and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. The MiG-23 Flogger reaches 2,500 km/h — 2.3x the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h. The AV-8B Harrier II has an operational range of 2,200 km vs 1,150 km for the MiG-23 Flogger. The MiG-23 Flogger 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 5,047 for the MiG-23 Flogger. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $4M for the MiG-23 Flogger. The MiG-23 Flogger first flew 4 years before the AV-8B Harrier II (1967 vs 1971).
| British-American ground-attack aircraft, infamously deployed in numerous conflicts including the Gulf War with unique vertical takeoff/landing capabilities. | |
|
|
| 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 |
| Soviet third-generation jet fighter, notable for its service during the Cold War, often deployed in interceptor and ground-attack roles. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Mikoyan-Gurevitch |
| First flight | 10 June 1967 |
| Year introduced | 1970 |
| Number produced | 5047 units |
| Average unit price | $4 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 | 37.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 14.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 16.7 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 2500 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,150 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 18,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 17,800 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 10,230 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 12,996 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 1,430 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 1,150 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger 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 MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 17,800 kg compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14,100 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the MiG-23 Flogger at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger entered service first in 1970, 13 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-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has been produced in greater numbers with 5,047 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.