Is an F-35 a Harrier?
As of 6 May 2024, the STOVL variant of the F-35 Lightning II, designated the F-35B, has replaced the AV-8B Harrier II in service with the US Marine Corps. In a one-on-one dogfight, the F-22 is the almost certain winner due to its superior speed, stealth, and unmatched maneuverability. However, in a beyond-visual-range engagement, the F-35’s advanced sensor fusion and networking capabilities could level the playing field.When comparing armaments, the F-35 offers more versatility. The F-22 is a pure fighter, best at winning air battles. The F-35 can do that too, but it’s also built for air-to-ground missions, surveillance, and more. That means it plays a larger role in day-to-day military operations.In a one-on-one dogfight, the F-22 is the almost certain winner due to its superior speed, stealth, and unmatched maneuverability. However, in a beyond-visual-range engagement, the F-35’s advanced sensor fusion and networking capabilities could level the playing field.The F-22 is a pure fighter, best at winning air battles. The F-35 can do that too, but it’s also built for air-to-ground missions, surveillance, and more. That means it plays a larger role in day-to-day military operations. The F-35 Lightning II is part of a vast global fleet with allied forces across 26+ bases.If the two were to meet in a visual-range dogfight, the F-35’s high angle-of-attack handling and digital flight control systems would likely deliver the edge in maneuvering battles. However, beyond-visual-range (BVR) encounters would shift in favor of the J-35’s higher thrust-to-weight ratio and missile endurance.
How fast can a Harrier jet fly?
The AV-8B Harrier II was never a particularly fast jet. With a top speed of just Mach 0. United States—and indeed with other militaries around the world. Unlike traditional fighter jets that require long runways for takeoff and landing, the Harrier possessed a unique ability—Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL). This allowed it to operate from aircraft carriers, unpaved runways, and even roads, giving it unmatched flexibility in combat scenarios.In the case of the Harrier jet, combat losses may in part be due to its slower speed and its role as a vertical take off “jump jet” driver between combat areas and aircraft carriers. Essentially, the Harrier Jet may have suffered losses due to its high-risk mission, similar to the A-10.
How much does the Harrier jet cost?
Millions of people watching at home saw the advertisement, which claimed that for only 7 million Pepsi points — the equivalent of $700,000 — you could win a Harrier Jump Jet (which costs $32 million). A 21-year-old business student, John Leonard, saw the commercial and took a particular interest in that jet. To get the Harrier, he would need to buy millions of Pepsis (most winning Pepsis had one point on the label, others had three and five — there were no one-million-point Pepsi bottles).John Leonard, a 21-year-old business student in 1996, found that it was possible to purchase Pepsi Points for 10 cents each: thus seven million points cost US$700,000.In 1996, Pepsi ran a TV ad jokingly offering a Harrier fighter jet for 7 million Pepsi Points. A 21-year-old business student did the math, raised $700,000, and formally ordered the jet. Pepsi refused.
How many Harriers are still flying?
EAV-8B Plus and 1 TAV-8B aircraft remain in service as of January. The Marine Corps has 87 AV-8B/+ and 12 TAV-8B trainer as of Jan 2024 . Each fighter squadron operates 16 AV-8B Harrier jets. The Marine Corps currently plans to have all squadrons transitioned to or start to transition to the F-35 platform by 2026. Harrier’s Final Operations The unit, based at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, is set to continue operating the platform through September 2026, according to the service. VMA-223 has also received the final two pilots graduated from the AV-8B Harrier II Fleet Replacement Detachment (FRD) in early 2024.