F-4 Phantom II vs Harrier

The F-4 Phantom II and the Harrier are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell and British Aerospace respectively. The F-4 Phantom II reaches 2,370 km/h — 2.0x the Harrier's 1,183 km/h. The F-4 Phantom II has an operational range of 680 km vs 1,500 km for the Harrier. The F-4 Phantom II operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 14,996 m for the Harrier. At 28,030 kg MTOW, the F-4 Phantom II is 2.4x the Harrier's 11,500 kg. The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in 5,195 units vs 380 for the Harrier. Unit cost is $3M for the F-4 Phantom II vs $24M for the Harrier. The F-4 Phantom II first flew 10 years before the Harrier (1958 vs 1968).

American fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts.
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell
First flight 27 May 1958
Year introduced 1962
Number produced 5195 units
Average unit price $3 million
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
Wing area 49.2 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 5.0 m
Length 19.0 m
Maximum speed 2370 km/h
Operational range 680 km
Service ceiling 18,288 m
Max. takeoff weight 28,030 kg
Empty weight 13,757 kg
Total thrust 2 x 16,186 kgf
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-4 Phantom II or Harrier?
The F-4 Phantom II is faster with a maximum speed of 2,370 km/h compared to the Harrier's 1,183 km/h, a difference of 1,187 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-4 Phantom II or Harrier?
The Harrier has a longer range at 1,500 km compared to the F-4 Phantom II's 680 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-4 Phantom II or Harrier?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the Harrier's 14,996 meters (49,199 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-4 Phantom II or Harrier?
The F-4 Phantom II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,030 kg compared to the Harrier's 11,500 kg.
Which is larger, the F-4 Phantom II or Harrier?
The F-4 Phantom II is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the Harrier's 13.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-4 Phantom II or Harrier?
The Harrier is more expensive at approximately $24 million per unit compared to the F-4 Phantom II at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-4 Phantom II or Harrier?
The F-4 Phantom II entered service first in 1962, 7 years before the Harrier which entered service in 1969.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-4 Phantom II or Harrier?
The F-4 Phantom II has been produced in greater numbers with 5,195 units compared to 380 units of the Harrier.