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F-35 Lightning II vs Sea Harrier

F-35 Lightning II vs Sea Harrier at a glance — top speed 1,960 vs 1,145 km/h, range 2,800 vs 3,222 km, max takeoff weight 27,216 vs 11,884 kg, built 965 vs 111 units.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning II
British Aerospace Sea Harrier combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 Sea Harrier
Specifications
F-35 Lightning II Sea Harrier
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin British Aerospace
First flight 15 December 2006 20 August 1978
Year introduced 2013 1980
Number produced 965 units 111 units
Average unit price $85 million $15.6 million
Wing area 43.0 m² 18.7 m²
Wingspan 11.0 m 7.7 m
Height 4.4 m 3.7 m
Length 15.6 m 14.2 m
Maximum speed 1960 km/h 1145 km/h
Operational range 2,800 km 3,222 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 16,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg 11,884 kg
Empty weight 14,651 kg 6,616 kg
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf 1 x 96 kN
Performance Radar Chart
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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 Sea Harrier has a longer range at 3,222 km compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 2,800 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.