The AV-8B II + is the second generation of Harriers. Using its VSTOL (Vertical and Short Take
Off Landing) abilities the Harrier is capable of using almost any surface to attack and destroy
air or ground targets. Armed with conventional or specific weapons the AV-8B II + can be used
in offensive or defensive roles. Now with air-borne radar the AV-8B II + can deliver its ordnance
day or night. The AV-8B II + can be air refueled allowing it to
be deployed for extended periods.

In April 1986 the USMC VMA-542 (Tigers) transitioned from the earlier Harriers to the AV-8B+.
This gave the squadron a greater V/STOL capability as well as extending the range and
increasing the payload. The most up to date navigation and weapon delivery systems were
also incorporated.VMA-542 was initially commissioned on March 6, 1944 as VMF(N)-542. The
“Tigers” are based at MCAS Cherry Point North Carolina and are tasked with providing
offensive and defensive air support and reconnaissance for Marine expeditionary forces. The
542nd has participated in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Kosovo and
Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007-8.

Specifications for the AV-8B+ (Harrier II Plus)

Developed by - Boeing, BAE Systems, and Rolls Royce

Operators – USMC, Italian Navy, Spanish Navy

Crew – (1) pilot

Performance
Powerplant – (1) Rolls-Royce Pegasus 11-61 (F402-RR-408) (Mk 105) vectored-thrust
turbofan engine,
23,500 lbf (105 kN)
Maximum speed @ sea level - .89 Mach   (662 mph)   (1,070 km/h)
Range – 1,200 nm   (1,400 mi)   (2,200 km)
Combat radius - 300 nmi   (556 km)
Ferry range - 1,800 nmi   (3,300 km)
Rate of climb - 14,700 ft/min   (4,485 m/min)

Dimensions
Length - 46 ft 4 in   (14.12 m)
Wingspan - 30 ft 4 in   (9.25 m)
Height - 11 ft 8 in   (3.55 m)
Wing area - 243.4 ft²   (22.61 m²)

Weight
Empty - 13,968 lb   (6,340 kg)
Loaded - 22,950 lb   (10,410 kg)
Max takeoff –
Rolling / 31,000 lb   (14,100 kg)
Vertical / 20,755 lb   (9,415 kg)

Armament
Guns – (1) X GAU-12U "Equalizer" 25 mm (0.98 in) cannon with 300 rounds of
ammunition.
Hardpoints – (7) capable of carrying up to 13,200 lb (STOVL) of ordnance such as iron
bombs, cluster bombs, napalm canisters, laser-guided bombs, AGM-65 Maverick or
AGM-84 Harpoon missiles, Sea Eagle missiles, a LITENING targeting pod, up to (4) AIM-
9 Sidewinder or similar-sized infrared-guided missiles, up to (4) AIM-120 AMRAAM
missiles, as well as new “Smart Weapons” such as JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition).

Avionics
Raytheon APG-65 pulse Doppler radar

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