American F-16 or British Harrier?

Question

Which is the most technologically advanced?

Answer 1

They're about the same. At least the latest version of the Harrier. The original was actually less of a technological marvel, besides the engine it was pretty standard.

But both now have about the same level of sophistication.

Answer 2

F-16 it has much better radar, the object of a dog fight is to kill the other guy before he sees you.  The F-16 can do that much better than the Harrier.

Answer 3

I never saw where the Harrier was needed that it required the one thing it was designed to do...  utilize it's vertical takeoff capability.  The entire airframe was dedicated to that criteria, and all other performance was sacrificed to achieve that one goal.  If you were forced to operate out of a bombed out city that had no useable runways in some futuristic war... the Harrier would save the day...   but....  it never came to pass.

The Harrier is better at Vertical takeoff and landing than the Viper.

The Viper is better at everything else.

As to which is more technologically  advanced... is your opinion. Vertical capability vs. the first Electric Jet, flybywire technology was no small step, and then continuing to develop the airframe capability for delivery of virtually every ordinance available while maintaining a significant A2A role is something no airplane can match today.

The  *F-15* is the air superiority fighter, not the Viper... and they don't want to get in close with one...

Answer 4

little more info needed.  which block aircraft are you talking about?  other than the basic airframe, little has remained the same over time.

Answer 5

The F-16 is more technologically advanced.

The harrier is a product of the 1960's.  Technology and design had taken a quantum leap when the F-16 was designed in the early 70's.

Answer 6

The F16 is certainly more "mission adaptable" than the Harrier.  The Viper's used for just about every mission available-whereas the Harrier's pretty much a CAS platform with no BVR capability.  (YES I know the RN used them air/air; but talking with crews many wished they still had carrier F4s for CAP).

Viper has better avionics, a better multimode radar, carries more ordnance farther.

Answer 7

Well, the Harrier has VSTOL (Vertical Short Take Off and Landing), but so does the new F-35 Lightning II.

The F-16 is more maneuverable, has better avionics, and I believe faster (Mach 2.0).

Answer 8

in reply to the 2nd answer, the commanche helicopter was scrapped so I don't understand what he means by 'the commanche does so well'.

The harrier is more technologically advanced. I saw the F-16 perform yesterday and it is merely just fast.

the harrier can also hover allowing it to carry out a number of roles, the F-16 is just air supremacy.

Answer 9

That's like asking who is prettier:

A blonde - or a blonde with streaks

A brunette - or a brunette with streaks

A redhead - or a redhead with streaks

both are suberb

in each category

all the best

Answer 10

well the harrier has one of the worst safety records

Answer 11

F-16. British Harrier goes through a lot of fuel in a very short time period. F-16 is more capable all around. A jet that hovers..well thats what the American 'Comanche' helicopter does so well.