F-35 Lightning II vs Sea Harrier

Overview

The F-35 Lightning II and the Sea 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 1,145 km/h for the Sea Harrier. The F-35 Lightning II has an operational range of 2,800 km vs 740 km for the Sea Harrier. The Sea Harrier operates at altitudes up to 16,000 m compared to 15,000 m for the F-35 Lightning II. At 27,216 kg MTOW, the F-35 Lightning II is 2.3x the Sea Harrier's 11,884 kg.

The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in 965 units vs 111 for the Sea Harrier. Unit cost is $85M for the F-35 Lightning II vs $15.6M for the Sea Harrier. The Sea Harrier first flew 28 years before the F-35 Lightning II (1978 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

Sea Harrier

British naval short take-off and vertical landing jet fighter, reconnaissance and attack aircraft, developed in the late 1970s and operated from aircraft carriers for air defence and ground attack until the early 21st century.
British Aerospace Sea Harrier Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer British Aerospace
First flight 20 August 1978
Year introduced 1980
Number produced 111 units
Average unit price $15.6 million
→ View full Sea 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 ◉

Sea Harrier

Wing area 18.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.7 m ◉
Height 3.7 m ◉
Length 14.2 m ◉
Maximum speed 1145 km/h ◉
Operational range 740 km ◉
Service ceiling 16,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 11,884 kg ◉
Empty weight 6,616 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 96 kN ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or Sea Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the Sea Harrier's 1,145 km/h, a difference of 815 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or Sea Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the Sea Harrier's 740 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or Sea Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the Sea Harrier's 11,884 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or Sea Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the Sea Harrier's 14.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or Sea Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the Sea Harrier at $16 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier entered service first in 1980, 33 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 Sea Harrier?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 111 units of the Sea Harrier.

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