OVERVIEW: The EAV-8B Harrier II belongs to the second generation of the Harrier family, a single-seat, subsonic, V/STOL, light strike and support aircraft operated by the Spanish Navy. It is a license-produced, day-only version of the AV-8B Harrier II tailored for carrier-based maritime operations.

DETAILS: Spain acquired the EAV-8B Harrier II under license from McDonnell Douglas, with the aircraft locally assembled and integrated for naval use from light carriers such as the Príncipe de Asturias. It is powered by the Rolls-Royce Pegasus F402-RR-408 turbofan, allowing for vertical/short takeoff and landing and a top speed of approximately Mach 0.9. The aircraft features 7 hardpoints (6 underwing and 1 centerline), a composite wing and forward fuselage, and enhanced lift for increased fuel and payload. Avionics include a Head-Up Display (HUD), digital moving map, RWR, and inertial navigation system, but lack any night-attack sensors, FLIR, or helmet cueing. Armament options include iron bombs, rocket pods, AIM-9 air-to-air missiles, and 25 mm GAU-12 cannon pods. It was designed for close air support, fleet defense, and light strike missions launched from STO-capable carriers.

The designation "EAV" stands for Ejército del Aire Vertical. The VA.1B is the Spanish naval designation for this configuration. None NVG-compatible displays or targeting pods it was restricted to visual-range, daylight missions. It served as the main fixed-wing combat aircraft of the Spanish Navy, replacing the older AV-8S Matador.

TYPE: V/STOL ground-attack and maritime strike aircraft

FUNCTION: This variant was primarily used for daylight close air support, limited maritime strike, and fleet protection from the Príncipe de Asturias aircraft carrier. Its suitability for STO from small decks and minimal support infrastructure made it ideal for Spain’s expeditionary naval doctrine.

NOTE:
IOC: 1989
Operators: Spain
Conflict used in: None (EAV-8B not deployed in combat)
Retired: In service as of early 2020s, gradually replaced by EAV-8B+ and future F-35B plans

SOURCE:
Spanish Navy Official Site: https://armada.defensa.gob.es ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; Ministerio de Defensa de España ; Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN) ; U.S. Naval Air Systems Command: https://www.navair.navy.mil