F/A-18 Hornet vs Harrier
The F/A-18 Hornet and the Harrier are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and British Aerospace respectively. Top speed is 1,915 km/h for the F/A-18 Hornet vs 1,183 km/h for the Harrier. The F/A-18 Hornet has an operational range of 2,017 km vs 1,500 km for the Harrier. The F/A-18 Hornet operates at altitudes up to 15,000 m compared to 14,996 m for the Harrier. At 23,541 kg MTOW, the F/A-18 Hornet is 2.0x the Harrier's 11,500 kg. The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in 1,480 units vs 380 for the Harrier. Unit cost is $29M for the F/A-18 Hornet vs $24M for the Harrier. The Harrier first flew 10 years before the F/A-18 Hornet (1968 vs 1978).
| American carrier-capable multirole strike fighter, designed in the late 20th century, deployed extensively in a variety of combat roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas |
| First flight | 18 November 1978 |
| Year introduced | 1983 |
| Number produced | 1480 units |
| Average unit price | $29 million |
| British vertical and short takeoff and landing jet, known for Falklands War deployments and Cold War service. | |
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| 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 | 38.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 12.3 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 17.1 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1915 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,017 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 23,541 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 10,433 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 6,350 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/A-18 Hornet or Harrier?
The F/A-18 Hornet is faster with a maximum speed of 1,915 km/h compared to the Harrier's 1,183 km/h, a difference of 732 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 Hornet or Harrier?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a longer range at 2,017 km compared to the Harrier's 1,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 Hornet or Harrier?
The F/A-18 Hornet 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/A-18 Hornet or Harrier?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,541 kg compared to the Harrier's 11,500 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 Hornet or Harrier?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the Harrier's 13.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 Hornet or Harrier?
The F/A-18 Hornet is more expensive at approximately $29 million per unit compared to the Harrier at $24 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 Hornet or Harrier?
The Harrier entered service first in 1969, 14 years before the F/A-18 Hornet which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 Hornet or Harrier?
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 1,480 units compared to 380 units of the Harrier.