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F-35 Lightning II vs Harrier

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning II
British Aerospace Harrier combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 Harrier
Change comparison vs
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 $85 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

Overview

The F-35 Lightning II and the 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 1,183 km/h for the Harrier. The F-35 Lightning II has an operational range of 2,800 km vs 1,500 km for the Harrier. The F-35 Lightning II operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 14,996 m for the Harrier. At 27,216 kg MTOW, the F-35 Lightning II is 2.4:1 the Harrier's 11,500 kg.

The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in 965 units vs 380 for the Harrier. Unit cost is $85M for the F-35 Lightning II vs $24M for the Harrier. The Harrier first flew 38 years before the F-35 Lightning II (1968 vs 2006).

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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 $85 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.