The first USMC Harrier II was the AV-8B, a daytime strike fighter. In 1984 development of the AV-
8B(NA) “Night Attack” Harriet II began with the addition of a NAVFLIR (Navigation Forward-
Looking Infrared) camera in the nose along with night vision goggles. New MFDs (Multi Function
Displays) were added as well as an improved HUD, color CRT display and complete heads-down
capability. This version of the Harrier also received additional counter-measure dispensers and
Rolls-Royce Pegasus 11-61 (F402-RR-408) vectored-thrust turbofan engine.

USMC VMA-211 “Wake Island Avengers” was formed in 1937 as Marine Fighting Squadron 4
(VF-4M) equipped with F3F-1s and F2F-1s. On July 1, 1941 the squadron was re-designated
VMF-211. During the 1980’s VMA-211 flew A-4M Skyhawks but in 1990 they transitioned to the
new AV-8B Night Attack Harrier and in 2000 they added the AV-8B II+ radar Harrier.
Originally manufactured as AV-8 II 162951 it was renumbered as AV-8B (NA) 165419.
On June 19, 2015 while with VMA-311 Harrier 165419 sustained more than 2 million dollars
damage.

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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