| 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 |
| Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2608 AV-8B Harrier US Marines VMA-223 "Bulldogs" |
| The AV-8B II + is the second generation of Harriers. Using its VSTOL (Vertical and Short Take Off Landing) abilities the Harrier is capable of using almost any surface to attack and destroy air or ground targets. Armed with conventional or specific weapons the AV- 8B II + can be used in offensive or defensive roles. Now with air-borne radar the AV-8B II + can deliver its ordnance day or night. The AV-8B II + can be air refueled allowing it to be deployed for extended periods. USMC VMA-223 is a squadron that flies AV-8B Harriers. Their mission is to provide offensive as well as defensive air support for Marine personnel and equipment. VMA- 223 “Bulldogs” was commissioned on May 1, 1942 and their first aircraft was the Brewster F2A Buffalo. In 1965 VMA-223 and their A-4 Skyhawks were sent to Chu Lai, South Vietnam. They were tasked with providing air support for allied ground forces. They were stationed in South Vietnam for five and a half years and flew a total of 32,000 flight hours. In October 1987 the Bulldogs transitioned to their McDonnell Douglas AV- 8B Harrier II. Then in December 1993 the Bulldogs took delivery of the AV-8B II +. |