F-35 Lightning II vs Harrier

American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations.
Picture of F-35 Lightning II
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
British vertical and short takeoff and landing jet, known for Falklands War deployments and Cold War service.
Picture of Harrier
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer British Aerospace
First flight 28 December 1968
Year introduced 1969
Number produced 380 units
Average unit price $24 million
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—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Wing area 18.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.7 m â—‰
Height 3.5 m â—‰
Length 13.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1183 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,500 km â—‰
Service ceiling 14,996 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,500 kg â—‰
Empty weight 5,530 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 8,618 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of British Aerospace Harrier

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the Harrier's 1,183 km/h, a difference of 777 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the Harrier's 1,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the Harrier's 14,996 meters (49,199 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the Harrier's 11,500 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the Harrier's 13.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the Harrier at $24 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or Harrier?
The Harrier entered service first in 1969, 44 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 380 units of the Harrier.