GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

AV-8B Harrier II vs MiG-23 Flogger

McDonnell Douglas/BAe AV-8B Harrier II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇺🇸 AV-8B Harrier II
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-23 Flogger combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-23 Flogger
Change comparison vs
Specifications
AV-8B Harrier II MiG-23 Flogger
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas/BAe Mikoyan-Gurevitch
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 2,200 km 1,150 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

Overview

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).

Related Comparisons
AV-8B Harrier II vs F-16 Fighting Falcon AV-8B Harrier II vs Su-17 Fitter AV-8B Harrier II vs J-7 Fishcan AV-8B Harrier II vs MiG-29 Fulcrum AV-8B Harrier II vs A-7 Corsair II AV-8B Harrier II vs F/A-18 Hornet

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.