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. Constructed as AV-8B-10 163176 it completed its maiden flight on October 6, 1987. On October 29, 1987 the aircraft was assigned to VMA-513 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. Over the next 13 years this aircraft change units several times before transferring to VMA-311 MCAS Yuma, Arizona in February 2000 where in June 2000 it was Struck Off Charge (SOC) and rebuilt. The rebuild meant a new Bu. No 165581. In 2013 165581 went back to VMA-311 and deployed to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan where it sustained $3.9 million in damages during a landing accident.

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 X 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

Info:   AV-8B Harrier II Plus - VMA-311, USMC, Afghanistan 2013