AV-8B Harrier II vs Yak-36 Freehand

British-American ground-attack aircraft, infamously deployed in numerous conflicts including the Gulf War with unique vertical takeoff/landing capabilities.
Picture of AV-8B Harrier II
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas/BAe
First flight 6 January 1971
Year introduced 1983
Number produced 337 units
Average unit price $26 million
Soviet vertical/short takeoff and landing jet, operational in the mid-to-late cold war, not widely deployed but significant for future designs.
Picture of Yak-36 Freehand
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Yakovlev
First flight 9 January 1963
Year introduced --
Number produced 4 units
Average unit price $2 million
Wing area 22.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.3 m â—‰
Height 3.6 m â—‰
Length 14.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1070 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,200 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 14,100 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,340 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 10,500 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of McDonnell Douglas/BAe AV-8B Harrier II
Wing area 17.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.0 m â—‰
Height 4.5 m â—‰
Length 17.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 900 km/h â—‰
Operational range 370 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 8,900 kg â—‰
Empty weight 5,300 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 10,604 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Yakovlev Yak-36 Freehand

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The AV-8B Harrier II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,070 km/h compared to the Yak-36 Freehand's 900 km/h, a difference of 170 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the Yak-36 Freehand's 370 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Yak-36 Freehand's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,100 kg compared to the Yak-36 Freehand's 8,900 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The Yak-36 Freehand is longer at 17.0 meters compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the Yak-36 Freehand at $2.0 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AV-8B Harrier II or Yak-36 Freehand?
The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in greater numbers with 337 units compared to 4 units of the Yak-36 Freehand.