What Is The AV-8B Harrier II?
The AV-8B Harrier II. V/STOL attack aircraft tailored for US Marine Corps close air support operations from amphibious assault ships.
United States
Origin
VTOL
Role
1,070 km/h
Top speed
13,700 m
Service ceiling
AV-8B Harrier II Specifications
The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II is a second-generation V/STOL ground-attack jet operated by the US Marine Corps. Driven by a Pegasus 11-61 vectored-thrust engine hitting 662 mph, it operates from amphibious assault ships to deliver close air support using 25mm cannons and smart bombs.
Performance
Top speed
662 mph (1,070 km/h)
Service ceiling
45,000 ft (13,700 m)
Combat radius
300 nmi (556 km)
Rate of climb
14,700 ft/min (74.7 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
46 ft 4 in (14.12 m)
Wingspan
30 ft 4 in (9.25 m)
Empty weight
13,968 lbs (6,336 kg)
Engine
1x Rolls-Royce F402-RR-408 (Pegasus 11-61) vectored-thrust turbofan
Service
First flight
9 November 1978
Unit cost
$24 million
Operators
United States (USMC), Spain, Italy
What Weapons Does The AV-8B Harrier II Carry?
The AV-8B Harrier II is fitted with an underbelly 25mm GAU-12 Equaliser 5-barrel rotary cannon and six hardpoints carrying 9,200 lbs of weapons, including AGM-65 Maverick missiles, JDAMs, and Sidewinders.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
GAU-12 Equalizer
Category
25 mm Rotary Cannon
Loadout
1 ventral pod (300 rounds)
Range
1,800 metres (effective)
AIM-9 Sidewinder
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
18 km (11 miles)
AIM-120 AMRAAM
Category
Beyond-Visual-Range Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
160 km (99 miles)
AGM-65 Maverick
Category
Air-to-Surface Missile
Loadout
Up to 6 missiles
Range
27 km (17 miles)
GBU-32 JDAM
Category
Precision-Guided Bomb (GPS)
Loadout
Up to 6 bombs
Range
24 km (15 miles)
APKWS
Category
Laser-Guided Rockets
Loadout
Up to 4 pods
Range
5 km (3.1 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The AV-8B Harrier II?
The AV-8B reaches around 673 mph, Mach 0.89, slightly slower than the first-generation Harrier because of its larger wing. In exchange it carries roughly twice the payload over twice the radius. Like its predecessor it is subsonic, trading speed for the ability to operate from amphibious ships and unprepared sites close to the front line.
How Was The AV-8B Harrier II Developed?
McDonnell Douglas and British Aerospace jointly developed the Harrier II after Britain scaled back its own advanced Harrier plans. The key change was a supercritical composite wing of much greater area with leading-edge root extensions. The YAV-8B first flew on 9 November 1978, with the definitive AV-8B entering Marine Corps service in 1985.
Has The AV-8B Harrier II Seen Combat?
The AV-8B flew more than 3,300 sorties in the 1991 Gulf War. It has since operated over Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and against ISIS, typically flying from amphibious assault ships positioned close to shore.
Who Operates The AV-8B Harrier II?
The United States Marine Corps, Spain and Italy operate the AV-8B. The Marine Corps is replacing it with the F-35B, with final retirement planned for 2027, while Spain and Italy have already begun transitioning.
AV-8B Harrier II FAQs
Common questions about the AV-8B Harrier II, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the AV-8B Harrier II as a civilian?
No, the AV-8B Harrier II is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the AV-8B Harrier II?
No, you cannot take the controls of the AV-8B Harrier II, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the AV-8B Harrier II cost?
The AV-8B Harrier II is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Are there weight limits on a jet flight instead of the AV-8B Harrier II?
The AV-8B Harrier II is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the AV-8B Harrier II?
The AV-8B Harrier II is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the AV-8B Harrier II?
The AV-8B Harrier II is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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