OVERVIEW: The AV-8B Harrier II+ belongs to the second generation of the Harrier family, a single-engine, subsonic,  V/STOL multirole combat aircraft designed for expeditionary strike, close air support, and sea control. The 2001 U.S. Marine Corps configuration combined radar-guided and night-attack capability for independent day/night operations in all weather.

DETAILS: The aircraft is powered by the Rolls-Royce F402-RR-408 Pegasus vectored-thrust turbofan engine, reaching a top speed near Mach 0.9, and is equipped with 7 hardpoints for external weapons and stores. Confirmed systems include the AN/APG-65 radar, AN/AAR-51 FLIR, digital moving map, RWR, and NVG-compatible cockpit. Its avionics supported all-weather strike and air defense operations, including use of AIM-9L Sidewinder and AGM-65 Maverick. The configuration allowed launch from amphibious assault ships and short expeditionary runways with rapid sortie generation.

The “+” model integrated a multimode radar (AN/APG-65) with the existing Night Attack suite to support air-to-air interception and precision strike, particularly in maritime and low-visibility conditions. No structural changes were introduced compared to earlier Night Attack airframes, but integration with systems like the AN/ALQ-164 DECM pod was maintained for electronic self-protection. The combination of radar and night-attack features offered a full-spectrum tactical capability for Marine aviation units.

TYPE: V/STOL multirole strike aircraft

FUNCTION: This model was primarily used for all-weather close air support, sea control, and interdiction missions during expeditionary operations. Its V/STOL design allowed deployment from amphibious ships, forward airfields, and austere locations, with fast turnaround and multi-role flexibility for U.S. Marine Air-Ground Task Force requirements.

NOTE:
IOC: 1993 (AV-8B Harrier II+ US)
Operators: United States
Conflict used in: Kosovo (1999), Afghanistan (2001–2009), Iraq (2003–2009)

SOURCE:
U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command: https://www.navair.navy.mil ; U.S. Marine Corps Fact Files ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org ; Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_AV-8B_Harrier_II