Bell X-1 vs AV-8B Harrier II
Top speed, range, size and history side by side. Each was built for its own job, so this shows how they differ, not which is better.
The Bell X-1 is faster: 1,540 km/h against 1,083 km/h for the AV-8B Harrier II. The AV-8B Harrier II flies further: 2,200 km against 400 km for the Bell X-1. The AV-8B Harrier II has the wider wingspan: 9.3 m against 8.5 m for the Bell X-1. The AV-8B Harrier II is heavier at takeoff: 14 tonnes against 5.56 tonnes for the Bell X-1. The Bell X-1 first flew in 1946, 32 years before the AV-8B Harrier II (1978).
| Bell X-1 | AV-8B Harrier II |
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| Top speed | 1,540 km/h (957 mph) | 1,083 km/h (673 mph) |
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| Range | 400 km (249 miles) | 2,200 km (1,367 miles) |
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| Length | 9.4 m (31 ft) | 14.1 m (46 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 8.5 m (28 ft) | 9.3 m (30 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 5.56 t (12,258 lb) | 14 t (31,085 lb) |
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| First flight | 1946 | 1978 |
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| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot | 1 pilot |
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| Engines | 1 × Reaction Motors XLR11 rocket | 1 × Pegasus vectored-thrust turbofan |
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| Built by | Bell | McDonnell Douglas / BAe |
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| Country | USA | USA / UK |
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