AV-8B Harrier II vs Sea Harrier

Overview

The AV-8B Harrier II and the Sea Harrier are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas/BAe and British Aerospace respectively.

Top speed is 1,070 km/h for the AV-8B Harrier II vs 1,145 km/h for the Sea Harrier. The AV-8B Harrier II has an operational range of 2,200 km vs 740 km for the Sea Harrier. The Sea Harrier operates at altitudes up to 16,000 m compared to 15,240 m for the AV-8B Harrier II.

The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in 337 units vs 111 for the Sea Harrier. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $15.6M for the Sea Harrier. The AV-8B Harrier II first flew 7 years before the Sea Harrier (1971 vs 1978).

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 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
British naval short take-off and vertical landing jet fighter, reconnaissance and attack aircraft, developed in the late 1970s and operated from aircraft carriers for air defence and ground attack until the early 21st century.
British Aerospace Sea Harrier Combat profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer British Aerospace
First flight 20 August 1978
Year introduced 1980
Number produced 111 units
Average unit price $15.6 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 18.7 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 7.7 m β—‰
Height 3.7 m β—‰
Length 14.2 m β—‰
Maximum speed 1145 km/h β—‰
Operational range 740 km β—‰
Service ceiling 16,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,884 kg β—‰
Empty weight 6,616 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 96 kN β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier is faster with a maximum speed of 1,145 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 75 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or Sea Harrier?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the Sea Harrier's 740 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or Sea Harrier?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,100 kg compared to the Sea Harrier's 11,884 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier is longer at 14.2 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or Sea Harrier?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the Sea Harrier at $16 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier entered service first in 1980, 3 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 Sea Harrier?
The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in greater numbers with 337 units compared to 111 units of the Sea Harrier.