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AV-8B Harrier II vs Su-17 Fitter

Overview

The AV-8B Harrier II and the Su-17 Fitter are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas/BAe and Sukhoi respectively.

The Su-17 Fitter reaches 2,140 km/h β€” 2.0x 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 Su-17 Fitter. The AV-8B Harrier II operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 14,500 m for the Su-17 Fitter.

The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in 337 units vs 2,867 for the Su-17 Fitter. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $6M for the Su-17 Fitter. The Su-17 Fitter first flew 5 years before the AV-8B Harrier II (1966 vs 1971).

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-era fighter-bomber, extensively deployed in varied conflicts worldwide, known for its variable-sweep wing design and robust operational capacity.
Sukhoi Su-17 Fitter combat aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Sukhoi
First flight 1 January 1966
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 2867 units
Average unit price $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 27.5 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 10.0 m β—‰
Height 4.5 m β—‰
Length 15.3 m β—‰
Maximum speed 2140 km/h β—‰
Operational range 1,150 km β—‰
Service ceiling 14,500 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 7,890 kg β—‰
Empty weight 5,932 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,000 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,140 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 1,070 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or Su-17 Fitter?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the Su-17 Fitter's 1,150 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or Su-17 Fitter?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Su-17 Fitter's 14,500 meters (47,572 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or Su-17 Fitter?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,100 kg compared to the Su-17 Fitter's 7,890 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter is longer at 15.2 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or Su-17 Fitter?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the Su-17 Fitter at $6.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter entered service first in 1971, 12 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 Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter has been produced in greater numbers with 2,867 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.