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.

On November 18, 1988 AV-8B 163662 was delivered to the VMA-542 “Tigers” as B-137 and in
1990 transferred to VMA-231 “Ace of Spades”. In 1991 the unit deployed to Saudi Arabia. AV-8B
163662 belonged to the VMA-231 CO Lt Col ‘Rusty’ Jones. By the end of ODS the aircraft had
flown 54 combat sorties and returned to MCAS Cherry Point in March 1991. There each aircraft
received mission markings and two lines in Arabic “Free Kuwait” on the port side. In 2002 163662
parts were used to create AV-8B Harrier II+ 165586.

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

This new site is being updated regularly and it will be much improved before too long. Please be patient, give it time, and check back regularly. Opportunities for community collaboration are in the works for a little further down the road.