Sea Harrier vs Yak-38 Forger

Overview

The Sea Harrier and the Yak-38 Forger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by British Aerospace and Yakovlev respectively.

Top speed is 1,145 km/h for the Sea Harrier vs 1,210 km/h for the Yak-38 Forger. The Sea Harrier has an operational range of 740 km vs 1,300 km for the Yak-38 Forger. The Sea Harrier operates at altitudes up to 16,000 m compared to 11,300 m for the Yak-38 Forger.

The Sea Harrier has been produced in 111 units vs 231 for the Yak-38 Forger. Unit cost is $15.6M for the Sea Harrier vs $12M for the Yak-38 Forger. The Yak-38 Forger first flew 8 years before the Sea Harrier (1970 vs 1978).

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
Soviet vertical takeoff/landing fighter, developed during the Cold War, primarily utilized on Soviet naval aviation carriers.
Yakovlev Yak-38 Forger Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Yakovlev
First flight 27 September 1970
Year introduced 1976
Number produced 231 units
Average unit price $12 million
Wing area 18.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.7 m â—‰
Height 3.7 m â—‰
Length 14.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1145 km/h â—‰
Operational range 740 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,884 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,616 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 96 kN â—‰
Wing area 18.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.3 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 15.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1210 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 11,300 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 7,020 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,050 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Sea Harrier or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger is faster with a maximum speed of 1,210 km/h compared to the Sea Harrier's 1,145 km/h, a difference of 65 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Sea Harrier or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger has a longer range at 1,300 km compared to the Sea Harrier's 740 km.
Which can fly higher, the Sea Harrier or Yak-38 Forger?
The Sea Harrier has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 11,300 meters (37,073 ft).
Which is heavier, the Sea Harrier or Yak-38 Forger?
The Sea Harrier has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,884 kg compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 11,200 kg.
Which is larger, the Sea Harrier or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger is longer at 15.5 meters compared to the Sea Harrier's 14.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Sea Harrier or Yak-38 Forger?
The Sea Harrier is more expensive at approximately $16 million per unit compared to the Yak-38 Forger at $12 million.
Which entered service first, the Sea Harrier or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger entered service first in 1976, 4 years before the Sea Harrier which entered service in 1980.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Sea Harrier or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger has been produced in greater numbers with 231 units compared to 111 units of the Sea Harrier.