GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

AV-8B Harrier II vs Yak-38 Forger

McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇺🇸 AV-8B Harrier II
Yakovlev Yak-38 Forger combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Yak-38 Forger
Change comparison vs
Specifications
AV-8B Harrier II Yak-38 Forger
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Yakovlev
First flight 6 January 1971 27 September 1970
Year introduced 1983 1976
Number produced 337 units 231 units
Average unit price $26 million $12 million
Wing area 22.6 m² 18.5 m²
Wingspan 9.3 m 7.3 m
Height 3.6 m 4.4 m
Length 14.1 m 15.5 m
Maximum speed 1070 km/h 1210 km/h
Operational range 2,200 km 1,300 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 11,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 14,100 kg 11,200 kg
Empty weight 6,340 kg 7,020 kg
Total thrust 1 x 10,500 kgf 1 x 6,801 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AV-8B Harrier II and the Yak-38 Forger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Yakovlev respectively.

Top speed is 1,070 km/h for the AV-8B Harrier II vs 1,210 km/h for the Yak-38 Forger. The AV-8B Harrier II has an operational range of 2,200 km vs 1,300 km for the Yak-38 Forger. The AV-8B Harrier II operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 11,300 m for the Yak-38 Forger.

The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in 337 units vs 231 for the Yak-38 Forger. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $12M for the Yak-38 Forger. The Yak-38 Forger first flew 1 years before the AV-8B Harrier II (1970 vs 1971).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger is faster with a maximum speed of 1,210 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 140 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-38 Forger?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-38 Forger?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 11,300 meters (37,073 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-38 Forger?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,100 kg compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 11,200 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger is longer at 15.5 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-38 Forger?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the Yak-38 Forger at $12 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger entered service first in 1976, 7 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 Yak-38 Forger?
The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in greater numbers with 337 units compared to 231 units of the Yak-38 Forger.