OVERVIEW: The AV-8B Harrier II belongs to the second generation of the Harrier family, a single-engine, subsonic, V/STOL, strike aircraft designed for close air support, interdiction, and deep strike missions in expeditionary environments. The 2001 configuration was a mature Night Attack model without radar, optimized for all-weather, day and night operations using electro-optical systems.

DETAILS: As of 2001, the AV-8B Harrier II operated with the Rolls-Royce F402-RR-408 Pegasus turbofan, providing thrust vectoring for vertical/short takeoff and speeds up to Mach 0.9. It retained 7 hardpoints, a night vision goggle (NVG)-compatible cockpit, MIL-STD-1553 data bus, and inertial navigation system. The aircraft integrated a fixed nose-mounted AN/AAR-51 FLIR, RWR, and digital moving map system. It lacked radar and used optical targeting systems for low-level strike missions under limited visibility.

The "AV" designation reflects "Attack, Vertical" capability. The 2001 configuration corresponded to the widely fielded Night Attack standard, introduced in the early 1990s, and by then fully deployed across USMC squadrons. It was compatible with AN/ALQ-164 DECM pods, integrated targeting systems, and supported the full spectrum of precision-guided and conventional ordnance. There were no radar upgrades introduced by this year; radar-equipped Plus models only entered later.

TYPE: V/STOL ground-attack aircraft

FUNCTION: This configuration was primarily employed for close air support and battlefield interdiction, especially in night and poor weather conditions. It was valued for its ability to deploy from amphibious assault ships or forward operating bases with minimal infrastructure, supporting Marine ground forces in expeditionary environments.

NOTE:
IOC: 1985 (AV-8B), 1992–1995 (Night Attack configuration fully fielded)
Operators: United States
Conflict used in: Afghanistan (2001–2013), Iraq (2003–2009)

SOURCE:
U.S. Naval Air Systems Command: https://www.navair.navy.mil ; U.S. Marine Corps Aviation Plan ; National Museum of the Marine Corps: https://www.usmcmuseum.com ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS) ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft