F-35 Lightning II vs Harrier

Overview

The F-35 Lightning II and the Harrier are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and British Aerospace respectively.

Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the F-35 Lightning II vs 1,183 km/h for the Harrier. The F-35 Lightning II has an operational range of 2,800 km vs 1,500 km for the Harrier. The F-35 Lightning II operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 14,996 m for the Harrier. At 27,216 kg MTOW, the F-35 Lightning II is 2.4x the Harrier's 11,500 kg.

The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in 965 units vs 380 for the Harrier. Unit cost is $85M for the F-35 Lightning II vs $24M for the Harrier. The Harrier first flew 38 years before the F-35 Lightning II (1968 vs 2006).

F-35 Lightning II

American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Combat profile drawing
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
→ View full F-35 Lightning II details

Harrier

British vertical and short takeoff and landing jet, known for Falklands War deployments and Cold War service.
British Aerospace Harrier Combat profile drawing
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
→ View full Harrier details

F-35 Lightning II

Wing area 43.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.0 m ◉
Height 4.4 m ◉
Length 15.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 1960 km/h ◉
Operational range 2,800 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg ◉
Empty weight 14,651 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf ◉

Harrier

Wing area 18.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.7 m ◉
Height 3.5 m ◉
Length 13.9 m ◉
Maximum speed 1183 km/h ◉
Operational range 1,500 km ◉
Service ceiling 14,996 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 11,500 kg ◉
Empty weight 5,530 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 8,618 kgf ◉

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.

Related Comparisons

F-35 Lightning II vs Su-57 Felon F-35 Lightning II vs J-20 Mighty Dragon F-35 Lightning II vs Typhoon F-35 Lightning II vs KF-21 Boramae F-35 Lightning II vs MiG-15 Fagot F-35 Lightning II vs MiG-21 Fishbed
2025 GlobalMilitary.net • About • Privacy • Terms • Dark theme