Hobby Master Archive

Harrier

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.

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.

The GR.7 series is part of the second generation of Harriers and replaced the older GR.3. This variant is quite similar to the American designed AV-8B but is built under license and equipped with RAF specific navigation and defense systems and added under-wing pylons. The GR.7 is capable of carrying twice the load of the GR.3 or the same load twice as far. The GR.7 first flew in 1989 and entered service in 1990. Of the 96 GR.7 Harriers belonging to the RAF 62 originally were GR.5s that were upgraded to GR.7s.

The Harrier GR.9 an upgrade to the GR.7 that involves avionics and weapons. The Integrated Weapons Program (IWP) enables the aircraft to carry the new smart weapons as well as INS and GPS. Now capable of carrying the Brimstone, Maverick, Paveway III LGB and the Paveway IV PGB missiles the GR.9 will also receive a Sniper targeting pods.

The GR.9 Harrier came into service in October 2006 and is a very updated improvement on the GR.7. The GR.9 is capable of a wider range of advanced precision weaponry, new communications along with upgraded airframes.

Harrier GR.7, RAF No. 4 Squadron ZG859/91 Kuwait, Spring 2003, Operation Telic

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AV-8B Harrier II VMA-311 Tomcats

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AV-8B+ Harrier II VMA-214 Black Sheep Commander Aircraft

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RAF / Royal Navy Joint Force, Afghanistan 2008 ZD461

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AV-8B Harrier II Night Attack 164117, VMA-311, Tomcats, 1999

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AV-8B Harrier II Plus Armada Espanola, Novena Escuadrilla, VA.1B-25 01-915

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AV-8B Harrier II Plus Italian Navy, Giuseppe Garibaldi, 1 Grupa, Grottaglie Base, near Taranto

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AV-8B Harrier US Marines VMA-223 "Bulldogs"

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AV-8B Harrier US Marines VMA-542 Tigers

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Harrier GR.9 1 Sqn disbandment scheme ZG477

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Harrier GR.9, RAF No. 4 Sqn disbandment scheme "ZG858"

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Harrier GR.9 800 NAS disbandment scheme ZD351

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Harrier GR.9 Final Flight ZG506

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AV-8B Harrier 162972 VMA-231, Ace Of Spades, Operation Desert Storm 1991

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GR.5 Harrier ZD327 AJ RAF 3 Sqn., Gutersloh, Germnay 1990

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AV-8B Harrier II Plus BuNo 165006, VMA-513 NAS El Centro, California, November 2010

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Harrier GR.5 ZD402 Pegasus 11-61 Flight Test Color Scheme

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AV-8B Harrier II Plus BuNo. 165421 VMA-214 MCAS Yuma March 2010

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AV-8B Harrier II Plus VMA-231 164562 CG-01, Cherry Point MCAS, Havelock, May 2012

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AV-8B Night Attack 165419, VMA-211 "Wake Island Avengers"

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AV-8B+ Harrier II BuNo 165354, VMA-542, USMC, 2016

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AV-8B+ Harrier II BuNo 165584, VMA-311, Feb 2012

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British Harrier GR7A "Operation Herrick" ZD404 "Lucy", Kandahar, Afghanistan, November 2006

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AV-8B Harrier II 163662, VMA-231, King Abdul Aziz Base, February 1991

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AV-8B Harrier II 163517, VMA-311, King Abdul Aziz Base, August 1990

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Harrier II AV-8B Plus Spanish Naval Air Arms "RIAT 2019" VA.1B-24, Naval Air Station Rota, Andalusia, Spain 2019

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Harrier II AV-8B Plus 1-19, Marina Militare (Italian Navy), North Arabian Sea, 2002 "Operation Eduring Freedom"

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Harrier GR.7 “Exercise Snow Falcon” ZG531, No1. Sqn., RAF, Norway 2004

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AV-8B Harrier II Plus 165421, VMA-214 "Black Sheep",USMC, Afghanistan, November 2009

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AV-8B Harrier II Plus BuNo 165581, VMA-311, USMC, Afghanistan 2013

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AV-8B Harrier II 165425, VMA-542, US Marines, 2019

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AV-8B plus Harrier II 163879, VMA-211, US Marines, 2013

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Harrier GR.7A “Michelle” ZD437, 1 Sqn., RAF, Afghanistan 2007

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Harrier GR.9A ZG478, 41 (R) Sqn., RAF Coningsby Air Base, March 2006

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Harrier GR.9 ZD406, Royal Navy Strike Wing, RAF Station Cottesmore, 2009

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