AV-8B Harrier II: A Versatile V/STOL Ground-Attack Aircraft
The AV-8B Harrier II is a highly versatile single-engine ground-attack aircraft known for its unique ability to perform vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) maneuvers. It is the second-generation aircraft in the Harrier family and is primarily utilized for light attack and multi-role missions. Developed through a collaboration between the United States and the United Kingdom, the AV-8B Harrier II has seen service with the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the Spanish Navy, and the Italian Navy. This article provides a detailed overview of the AV-8B Harrier II, including its development history, specifications, and operational capabilities.
Development History
The development of the AV-8B Harrier II began in the early 1970s as a joint effort between the United States and the United Kingdom. The goal was to address the operational limitations of the first-generation Hawker Siddeley Harrier. However, due to budget constraints, the UK withdrew from the project in 1975. Subsequently, McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) undertook extensive redesign work on the AV-8A Harrier to create the AV-8B Harrier II.
The AV-8B Harrier II retained the general layout of its predecessor but incorporated several significant improvements. The aircraft features a larger composite wing with an additional hardpoint on each side, an elevated cockpit, a redesigned fuselage, and various structural and aerodynamic refinements. It is powered by an upgraded version of the Pegasus engine, which significantly enhances its capabilities. The AV-8B Harrier II made its maiden flight in November 1981 and entered service with the USMC in January 1985.
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| Photo: Pinterest |
Design and Purpose
The aircraft was designed with a V/STOL capability to operate from short runways, small clearings, and even aircraft carriers
The AV-8B Harrier II possesses distinctive physical attributes that contribute to its exceptional performance. The aircraft has a wing span of 30 feet, 3 inches, a length of 46 feet, 3 inches, and a height of 11 feet, 7 inches. Its empty weight is approximately 12,800 pounds, while the maximum takeoff weight varies depending on the type of takeoff: 31,000 pounds for short takeoff and 18,900 pounds for vertical takeoff.
The AV-8B Harrier II is equipped with a Rolls-Royce Pegasus F-402-RR-404 vectored thrust turbofan engine, providing it with the necessary power for its V/STOL capabilities. The aircraft accommodates a single crew member and was manufactured by McDonnell Douglas.
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| AV-8B in formation Photo: Pinterest |
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AV-8B Harrier II powerplant: Rolls Royce F402-RR-408 Pegasus
| Photo: Wikipedia |
During a vertical takeoff, the AV-8B Harrier II employs a combination of engine power and nozzle deflection. The pilot increases the throttle to full power while directing the four nozzles downward. The downward thrust generated by the nozzles counteracts the aircraft's weight, allowing it to lift off vertically from the ground or a designated platform. Once airborne, the pilot adjusts the nozzle angles to transition into forward flight.
Vertical Landing Procedure
When performing a vertical landing, the Harrier II reduces its airspeed and transitions from forward flight to a hover. The pilot adjusts the nozzle angles to direct the engine thrust downward, gradually reducing the aircraft's altitude. The downward thrust counteracts the aircraft's descent rate, allowing it to descend vertically until it touches down. The pilot carefully controls the throttle and nozzle angles to ensure a safe and controlled landing.
The AV-8B Harrier II's vertical takeoff capability gives it the flexibility to operate from various types of environments and platforms, making it a versatile aircraft for ground-attack and close air support missions.
Radar Systems
The AV-8B Harrier II utilizes radar systems that enable the aircraft to perform a range of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-surface strikes, and reconnaissance. The following radar systems are integral to the AV-8B Harrier II's operational capabilities:
Raytheon APG-65 Radar
The Raytheon APG-65 radar system is a key component of the AV-8B Harrier II's combat capabilities. This multi-mode radar system enhances the aircraft's ability to operate in adverse weather conditions and provides day and night, all-weather fighter/attack capabilities. The APG-65 radar enables the AV-8B Harrier II to detect and track targets, providing essential situational awareness to the pilot.
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| Raytheon APG-65 Radar Photo: Wikipedia |
Targeting Pod
In addition to the radar system, the AV-8B Harrier II can be equipped with targeting pods. These pods, such as the Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-28(V) LITENING targeting pod, enhance the aircraft's target detection, identification, and tracking capabilities. Targeting pods utilize advanced sensors, including infrared and electro-optical sensors, to provide real-time imagery and target information to the pilot. By integrating targeting pods with the radar system, the AV-8B Harrier II can effectively engage ground targets with precision-guided munitions.
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| Photo: Armada International |
Ground-Mapping Radar
The AV-8B Harrier II may also be equipped with a ground-mapping radar system that allows for detailed terrain mapping and navigation. This radar system assists the pilot in navigating over land, particularly in low-visibility conditions or unfamiliar environments. The ground-mapping radar provides valuable information about the terrain, including elevation, obstacles, and potential landing zones.
Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) Missile Capability
The Harrier II Plus variant of the AV-8B is equipped with a multi-mode radar and beyond-visual-range missile capability [3]. This radar system enhances the aircraft's ability to engage targets at extended ranges, providing increased operational flexibility and enhancing air-to-air combat capabilities.
Benefits and Impact
The radar systems employed by the AV-8B Harrier II significantly enhance its mission capabilities and combat effectiveness. These radar systems enable the aircraft to detect, track, and engage targets effectively in various operational scenarios. The integration of radar systems with targeting pods enhances the aircraft's ability to identify and engage ground targets with precision-guided munitions, minimizing collateral damage and maximizing mission success. The beyond-visual-range missile capability provided by the radar system further expands the AV-8B Harrier II's operational envelope, enabling it to engage and neutralize threats from a safe distance.
The AV-8B Harrier II relies on advanced radar systems to enhance its combat capabilities and mission effectiveness. The integration of radar technology provides the aircraft with critical situational awareness, target acquisition, and engagement capabilities. With radar systems such as the Raytheon APG-65 and additional targeting pods, the AV-8B Harrier II can effectively engage both air and surface targets with precision.
Armament Options for the AV-8B Harrier II
The AV-8B Harrier II, a second-generation ground-attack aircraft, is renowned for its vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities. Serving the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the Spanish Navy, and the Italian Navy, the AV-8B Harrier II is a versatile platform employed in various missions, including close air support and armed reconnaissance.
Weapon Capabilities
Equipped with a range of weapon systems, the AV-8B Harrier II possesses the firepower necessary to engage surface and air targets effectively. The following are some of the armament options available for the AV-8B Harrier II.
GAU-12 25 mm Cannon
The AV-8B Harrier II is armed with a GAU-12 25 mm cannon, providing it with a potent close-in weapon system. The cannon is effective against ground targets and offers the pilot a reliable means of engaging enemy forces in close proximity.
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| GAU-12U Cannon Photo: Wikipedia |
Rocket Pods (LAU-5003)
The AV-8B Harrier II can carry up to four LAU-5003 rocket pods. Each pod is capable of holding a significant number of unguided rockets, which provide the aircraft with the ability to engage ground targets effectively.
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| LAU-5003 Photo: Armed Conflicts |
To defend against airborne threats, the AV-8B Harrier II can be armed with air-to-air missiles. It has the capacity to carry four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, which are short-range heat-seeking missiles primarily used for air-to-air engagements.
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| AIM-9 Sidewinder missile Photo: Pinterest |
Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface Missiles
The AV-8B Harrier II has the capability to deploy the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile system. These medium-range, radar-guided missiles are effective against both airborne and surface targets. Additionally, the aircraft can carry the AGM-65 Maverick missile, which is a versatile air-to-surface missile that can engage various types of ground targets.
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| AIM-120 AMRAAM missile Photo: Wikipedia |
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| AGM-65 Maverick missile Photo: Wikipedia |
Anti-Ship Missiles
For engaging naval targets, the AV-8B Harrier II can be equipped with the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile. This missile provides the aircraft with the ability to strike maritime threats effectively.
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| AGM-84 Harpoon Photo: Wikimedia |
Anti-Radar Missiles
To neutralize enemy air defenses, the AV-8B Harrier II can carry the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM). This missile is designed to target and destroy enemy radar installations, thereby suppressing hostile air defenses.
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| AGM-88 HARM Photo: Wikipedia |
Guided Bombs
The AV-8B Harrier II can utilize a range of guided bombs for precision strikes. It can employ Paveway laser-guided bombs, which rely on laser designation to accurately hit specific targets. The aircraft can also carry Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), which are satellite-guided bombs capable of engaging targets with high accuracy.
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| Paveway laser-guided bomb Photo: Wikipedia |
The AV-8B Harrier II is equipped with a diverse array of weapon systems, enabling it to fulfill a wide range of mission requirements. From its GAU-12 25 mm cannon to its air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, the AV-8B Harrier II possesses the firepower necessary to engage both ground and airborne threats effectively. With its versatile armament options, this aircraft continues to be a valuable asset for the USMC, the Spanish Navy, and the Italian Navy in their respective operational theaters.
The AV-8B Harrier II's operational capabilities make it a formidable asset for various missions. As a ground-attack aircraft, it excels in providing close air support to ground troops and conducting armed reconnaissance missions. The Harrier II's V/STOL capabilities enable it to operate from a wide range of platforms, including aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) airfields. This flexibility allows for increased mission effectiveness in different operational environments.
During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the AV-8B Harrier II proved its combat effectiveness. It was the first U.S. Marine Corps tactical aircraft deployed to the Persian Gulf region, where it successfully conducted 3,380 combat sorties (4,112 combat hours) and delivered more than 6 million pounds of ordnance. Its ability to rapidly evade enemy fire by vertically taking off or quickly zooming out of the range of threats contributed to its operational success.
The advancements in the AV-8B Harrier II led to the development of specialized variants. The AV-8B(NA) introduced a night-attack capability, enhancing the aircraft's effectiveness in low-light conditions. The AV-8B Harrier II Plus incorporated advanced radar and avionics, allowing for efficient operations in darkness and adverse weather conditions.
The AV-8B Harrier II stands as a remarkable achievement in aviation technology, demonstrating the capabilities of V/STOL aircraft. Developed through international collaboration, it has become an integral asset for the United States Marine Corps, Spanish Navy, and Italian Navy. With its unique ability to perform vertical or short takeoff and landing maneuvers, the AV-8B Harrier II offers unmatched versatility for close air support, armed reconnaissance, and other missions. Its combat track record, operational capabilities, and adaptability make it a valuable asset in modern military operations.
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