North American X-15 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 North American X-15 is faster: 7,274 km/h against 1,083 km/h for the AV-8B Harrier II. The AV-8B Harrier II flies further: 2,200 km against 450 km for the North American X-15. The AV-8B Harrier II has the wider wingspan: 9.3 m against 6.8 m for the North American X-15. The North American X-15 is heavier at takeoff: 15 tonnes against 14 tonnes for the AV-8B Harrier II. The North American X-15 first flew in 1959, 19 years before the AV-8B Harrier II (1978).
| North American X-15 | AV-8B Harrier II |
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| Top speed | 7,274 km/h (4,520 mph) | 1,083 km/h (673 mph) |
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| Range | 450 km (280 miles) | 2,200 km (1,367 miles) |
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| Length | 15.5 m (51 ft) | 14.1 m (46 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 6.8 m (22 ft) | 9.3 m (30 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 15 t (33,951 lb) | 14 t (31,085 lb) |
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| First flight | 1959 | 1978 |
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| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot | 1 pilot |
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| Engines | 1 × XLR99 rocket | 1 × Pegasus vectored-thrust turbofan |
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| Built by | North American | McDonnell Douglas / BAe |
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| Country | USA | USA / UK |
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