AV-8B Harrier II vs F-35 Lightning II
| British-American ground-attack aircraft, infamously deployed in numerous conflicts including the Gulf War with unique vertical takeoff/landing capabilities. | |
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| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇺🇸 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 |
| American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| First flight | 15 December 2006 |
| Year introduced | 2013 |
| Number produced | 965 units |
| Average unit price | $85 million |
| Wing area | 22.6 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 9.3 m â—‰ |
| Height | 3.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 14.1 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 1070 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 2,200 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 14,100 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 6,340 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 10,500 kgf â—‰ |
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| Wing area | 43.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 11.0 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.4 m â—‰ |
| Length | 15.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 1960 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 2,800 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 27,216 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 14,651 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 19,500 kgf â—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 890 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 2,200 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14,100 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the AV-8B Harrier II at $26 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The AV-8B Harrier II entered service first in 1983, 30 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.