GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

F-35 Lightning II vs Harrier

F-35 Lightning II vs Harrier at a glance — top speed 1,960 vs 1,183 km/h, range 2,800 vs 1,500 km, max takeoff weight 27,216 vs 11,500 kg, built 965 vs 380 units.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning II
British Aerospace Harrier combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 Harrier
Specifications
F-35 Lightning II Harrier
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin British Aerospace
First flight 15 December 2006 28 December 1968
Year introduced 2013 1969
Number produced 965 units 380 units
Average unit price $103 million $24 million
Wing area 43.0 m² 18.7 m²
Wingspan 11.0 m 7.7 m
Height 4.4 m 3.5 m
Length 15.6 m 13.9 m
Maximum speed 1960 km/h 1183 km/h
Operational range 2,800 km 1,500 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 14,996 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg 11,500 kg
Empty weight 14,651 kg 5,530 kg
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf 1 x 8,618 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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 F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet F-35 Lightning II vs Su-30 Flanker-C

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 $103 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.