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F-16 Fighting Falcon vs Harrier

F-16 Fighting Falcon vs Harrier at a glance — top speed 2,178 vs 1,183 km/h, range 4,217 vs 1,500 km, max takeoff weight 19,200 vs 11,500 kg, built 4,604 vs 380 units.

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-16 Fighting FalconFull specs
British Aerospace Harrier combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 HarrierFull specs
Specifications
F-16 Fighting Falcon Harrier
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer General Dynamics British Aerospace
First flight 2 February 1974 28 December 1968
Year introduced 1979 1969
Number produced 4604 units 380 units
Average unit price $18.8 million $24 million
Wing area 27.9 m² 18.7 m²
Wingspan 10.0 m 7.7 m
Height 4.9 m 3.5 m
Length 15.1 m 13.9 m
Maximum speed 2178 km/h 1183 km/h
Operational range 4,217 km 1,500 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 14,996 m
Max. takeoff weight 19,200 kg 11,500 kg
Empty weight 8,570 kg 5,530 kg
Total thrust 1 x 12,701 kgf 1 x 8,618 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Harrier?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,178 km/h compared to the Harrier's 1,183 km/h, a difference of 995 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Harrier?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a longer range at 4,217 km compared to the Harrier's 1,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Harrier?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Harrier's 14,996 meters (49,199 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Harrier?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,200 kg compared to the Harrier's 11,500 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Harrier?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is longer at 15.1 meters compared to the Harrier's 13.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Harrier?
The Harrier is more expensive at approximately $24 million per unit compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon at $19 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Harrier?
The Harrier entered service first in 1969, 10 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon which entered service in 1979.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Harrier?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 380 units of the Harrier.