AV-8B Harrier II: The US Marine Corps' VSTOL Jet Aircraft

The AV-8B Harrier II is the US Marine Corps' current frontline close-air-support aircraft, known for its ability to hover in place and operate on smaller carriers. This book provides an overview of VSTOL capabilities and the aircraft's development in the UK and its use by the US Marine Corps.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2022
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II, known for its vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) capabilities, serves as the US Marine Corps' primary close-air-support aircraft. Derived from the renowned British Aerospace Harrier II, the AV-8B is renowned for its ability to hover in place, making it highly suitable for operations on smaller carriers and in challenging landing zones. This comprehensive book offers a concise overview of VSTOL capabilities and the development of the Harrier jump jet in the UK. It then delves into the US Marine Corps' utilization of this aircraft, highlighting its extensive deployments in regions such as eastern Europe, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

The AV-8B Harrier II's development began in the late 1960s as a response to the US Navy's requirement for a versatile and capable jet fighter. The original Harrier prototype, known as the XAV-8B, made its first flight in 1968. The aircraft featured a powerful Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engine and a unique vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) system, which allowed it to take off and land vertically like a helicopter.

The XAV-8B underwent several modifications and improvements over the years, including the addition of a more advanced electronic warfare system and the integration of advanced avionics and weapons. The final version of the Harrier, the AV-8B Harrier II, was introduced in the early 1980s and entered service with the US Marine Corps in 1986.

One of the key features of the AV-8B Harrier II is its V/STOL system, which allows it to take off and land vertically like a helicopter. This system is powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines and a unique set of rotors that can rotate in both the vertical and horizontal planes. The V/STOL system allows the Harrier to operate from small aircraft carriers and other limited-space environments, making it highly versatile and capable.

Another notable feature of the AV-8B Harrier II is its advanced avionics and weapons systems. The aircraft is equipped with a variety of sensors and electronic warfare systems, including radar, infrared search and track (IRST) systems, and anti-aircraft missiles. It also carries a wide range of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and bombs.

The AV-8B Harrier II has seen extensive service with the US Marine Corps and has played a critical role in numerous conflicts and operations. The aircraft has been deployed in operations in the Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. It has also been used as a training aircraft for Marine Corps pilots and as a support aircraft for ground troops.

In conclusion, the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II is a versatile and capable jet fighter that has played a critical role in the US Marine Corps' history. Its vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) system, advanced avionics and weapons systems, and extensive service history have made it one of the most successful and influential aircraft in military history. The Harrier's legacy continues to be felt today, as it remains an important part of the US Marine Corps' air-ground combat capabilities.

Weight: 804g
Dimension: 236 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764363405