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

F-4 Phantom II vs Harrier

McDonnell F-4 Phantom II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-4 Phantom II
British Aerospace Harrier combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 Harrier
Change comparison vs
Specifications
F-4 Phantom II Harrier
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell British Aerospace
First flight 27 May 1958 28 December 1968
Year introduced 1962 1969
Number produced 5195 units 380 units
Average unit price $3 million $24 million
Wing area 49.2 m² 18.7 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m 7.7 m
Height 5.0 m 3.5 m
Length 19.0 m 13.9 m
Maximum speed 2370 km/h 1183 km/h
Operational range 680 km 1,500 km
Service ceiling 18,288 m 14,996 m
Max. takeoff weight 28,030 kg 11,500 kg
Empty weight 13,757 kg 5,530 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,094 kgf 1 x 8,618 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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 — 2.0:1 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 2.4:1 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).

Related Comparisons
F-4 Phantom II vs MiG-15 Fagot F-4 Phantom II vs Yak-9 Frank F-4 Phantom II vs MiG-21 Fishbed F-4 Phantom II vs MiG-17 Fresco F-4 Phantom II vs F-86 Sabre F-4 Phantom II vs F-84 Thunderjet

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.