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.

On 22nd December 1990 VMA-231 completed an 18,000 mile deployment from Iwakuni, Japan
to the King Abdul Aziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The flight was made eastward via the United
States and Europe because of the prevailing wets to east winds and the availability of logistics
enroute. VMA-231 logged a record 904 flight hours in one month. 17th January 1991 was the
first day of Operation Desert Storm and the Ace of Spades flew sorties against Iraqi artillery
based in occupied Kuwait. As the war progressed VMA-231 continued attacks on enemy armor
and other equipment. In February the Ace Of Spades flew 966.2 hours for a new Marine Corps.
Harrier record. While taking part in Operation Desert Storm VMA-231 flew 987 combat sorties
over 1195.8 flying hours and delivered 1,692,000 pounds of ordnance comprised of 1660 Mk-
82s, 62 Mk-83s, 969 Mk-20 Rockeyes, 78 Mk-77 Firebombs, and 22,709 rounds of 25MM
munitions.
AV8B Harrier serial 162972 was one of 162 aircraft manufactured from 1983-1989.

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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