McDonnell Douglas AV-8C Harrier II on static display on the East Lawn of of the Museum of Flight, Seattle
McDonnell Douglas AV-8C Harrier II on static display on the East Lawn of of the Museum of Flight, Seattle. The Harrier is one of the most extraordinary and recognizable fighter aircraft in the world. Built to support troops on the ground and intercept and attack enemy aircraft and helicopters over the battlefield, the single-man light fighter currently flies with the United States Marine Corps, the British Royal Air Force, and the Spanish and Italian navies. The trait that makes the Harrier unique from other airplanes is that it can take off and land vertically. The Harrier accomplishes this amazing flying feat by directing thrust from the engine through four swiveling nozzles located on the fighter's belly. Sometimes called a "jump jet," the Harrier can operate from short fields, the decks of ships, or even roadways located close to the fighting. This Harrier flew with Marine Attack Squadron 542 before it was retired and loaned to The Museum of Flight The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AV-8B Harrier II is a family of second-generation vertical/short takeoff and landing or V/STOL ground-attack aircraft of the late 20th century. It is primarily used for light attack or multi-role tasks, typically operated from small aircraft carriers and large amphibious assault ships. Although the AV-8B Harrier II shares the designation with the earlier AV-8A/C Harrier, the AV-8B was extensively redesigned from the previous-generation Harrier by McDonnell Douglas. British Aerospace joined the improved Harrier project in the early 1980s, and it has been managed by Boeing/BAE Systems since the 1990s. The AV-8B is used by the United States Marine Corps. The British Harrier GR7/GR9 versions are used by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Versions are also used by NATO countries: Spain, and Italy. The Harrier models are commonly referred to as the "Harrier Jump Jet".
Size: 4988px × 3396px
Location: Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington 98108
Photo credit: © John Gaffen 2 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: /stol, aircraft, harrier, ii, military
