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AV-8B Harrier II vs MiG-29 Fulcrum

Overview

The AV-8B Harrier II and the MiG-29 Fulcrum are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas/BAe and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively.

The MiG-29 Fulcrum reaches 2,200 km/h β€” 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 1,430 km for the MiG-29 Fulcrum. The MiG-29 Fulcrum operates at altitudes up to 17,500 m compared to 15,240 m for the AV-8B Harrier II.

The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in 337 units vs 1,600 for the MiG-29 Fulcrum. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $25M for the MiG-29 Fulcrum. The AV-8B Harrier II first flew 6 years before the MiG-29 Fulcrum (1971 vs 1977).

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 aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ United Kingdom πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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 twin-engine fighter jet, notable in late Cold War clashes, widely exported and integral to various aerial engagements globally.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-29 Fulcrum combat aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 6 October 1977
Year introduced 1983
Number produced 1600 units
Average unit price $25 million
Wing area 22.6 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 9.3 m β—‰
Height 3.6 m β—‰
Length 14.1 m β—‰
Maximum speed 1070 km/h β—‰
Operational range 2,200 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 14,100 kg β—‰
Empty weight 6,340 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 10,500 kgf β—‰
Wing area 43.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 12.0 m β—‰
Height 4.4 m β—‰
Length 17.3 m β—‰
Maximum speed 2200 km/h β—‰
Operational range 1,430 km β—‰
Service ceiling 17,500 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 24,000 kg β—‰
Empty weight 18,500 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 9,000 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-29 Fulcrum?
The MiG-29 Fulcrum is faster with a maximum speed of 2,200 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 1,130 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-29 Fulcrum?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the MiG-29 Fulcrum's 1,430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-29 Fulcrum?
The MiG-29 Fulcrum has a higher service ceiling at 17,500 meters (57,414 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-29 Fulcrum?
The MiG-29 Fulcrum has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 24,000 kg compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14,100 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-29 Fulcrum?
The MiG-29 Fulcrum is longer at 17.3 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-29 Fulcrum?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the MiG-29 Fulcrum at $25 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-29 Fulcrum?
The MiG-29 Fulcrum entered service first in 1983, 0 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-29 Fulcrum?
The MiG-29 Fulcrum has been produced in greater numbers with 1,600 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.