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AV-8B Harrier II vs MiG-23 Flogger

AV-8B Harrier II vs MiG-23 Flogger at a glance — top speed 1,070 vs 2,500 km/h, range 3,300 vs 2,360 km, max takeoff weight 14,100 vs 17,800 kg, built 337 vs 5,047 units.

McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇺🇸 AV-8B Harrier II
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-23 Flogger
Specifications
AV-8B Harrier II MiG-23 Flogger
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 6 January 1971 10 June 1967
Year introduced 1983 1970
Number produced 337 units 5047 units
Average unit price $26 million $4 million
Wing area 22.6 m² 37.0 m²
Wingspan 9.3 m 14.0 m
Height 3.6 m 4.8 m
Length 14.1 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 1070 km/h 2500 km/h
Operational range 3,300 km 2,360 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,100 kg 17,800 kg
Empty weight 6,340 kg 10,230 kg
Total thrust 1 x 10,500 kgf 1 x 12,996 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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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 3,300 km compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 2,360 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.