AV-8B Plus Harrier vs. F-35B Lightning II: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The AV-8B Plus Harrier and the F-35B Lightning II are titans of the sky, each representing their era's pinnacle of vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft technology. Here's how they stack up:

Specifications Table

Showdown Highlights

Design & Structure

- AV-8B Harrier: The Harrier’s iconic thrust vectoring nozzles and large wings make it a master of V/STOL operations, but its conventional materials and design reflect its era.

- F-35B Lightning II: The F-35B’s sleek, modern airframe, stealth features, and advanced composite materials scream next-gen. Its lift fan system ensures efficient V/STOL performance.

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Performance Power

- AV-8B Harrier: Topping out at subsonic speeds, the Harrier is nimble but shows its age against newer adversaries.

- F-35B Lightning II: Supersonic with ease, the F-35B is a beast with a blistering rate of climb and agility that leaves the Harrier in its jet wash.

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Avionics & Sensors

- AV-8B Harrier: Equipped with the solid AN/APG-65 radar and LITENING targeting pod, it’s reliable but dated.

- F-35B Lightning II: Sporting the state-of-the-art AN/APG-81 AESA radar, DAS, and EOTS, the F-35B’s sensor suite offers unmatched situational awareness and target acquisition.

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Stealth & Survivability

- AV-8B Harrier: Bold but visible, the Harrier lacks stealth, making it more vulnerable in high-threat environments.

- F-35B Lightning II: With radar-evading stealth features, the F-35B slips through enemy defenses undetected, ensuring mission success and pilot safety.

Armament & Payload

- AV-8B Harrier: Capable of carrying a variety of munitions up to 9,200 lbs, it’s versatile but limited.

- F-35B Lightning II: With a payload capacity of up to 15,000 lbs and internal bays for stealth missions, the F-35B is a true multi-role juggernaut.

Maximum Hover Altitude

?The maximum hover altitudes for the AV-8B Plus Harrier and the F-35B Lightning II differ due to their distinct designs and capabilities.

- AV-8B Plus Harrier II

- Maximum Hover Altitude: Approximately 15,000 feet (4,572 meters)

- Details: The AV-8B Harrier's hover capability is primarily limited by its thrust-to-weight ratio and the engine's performance at various altitudes. Hovering at higher altitudes requires more engine power due to the thinner air, which reduces lift and cooling efficiency.

- F-35B Lightning II

- Maximum Hover Altitude: Approximately 10,000 feet (3,048 meters)

- Details: The F-35B uses a more complex system involving a lift fan and vectoring nozzles to achieve its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. While the F-35B is more advanced overall, its maximum hover altitude is somewhat lower compared to the AV-8B due to the operational limits of its lift system and engine performance.

In summary, the AV-8B Plus Harrier can hover at altitudes up to about 15,000 feet, whereas the F-35B Lightning II can hover up to about 10,000 feet.

Conclusion

The AV-8B Plus Harrier, while legendary and versatile, is outclassed by the futuristic F-35B Lightning II. With superior speed, advanced stealth, cutting-edge avionics, and greater payload capacity, the F-35B is a quantum leap forward, embodying the future of aerial combat. The transition from the Harrier to the F-35B marks a dramatic evolution in air power, ensuring dominance in the skies for years to come.