AV-8B Harrier IIedit

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AV-8B Harrier II

AV-8B Harrier II


Countries that operate the AV-8B Harrier II
Aircraft Role: Naval Fighter
Manufacturers: McDonnell Douglas
British Aerospace
Real-World Origin: United States of America
United Kingdom
AC Installments: Ace Combat (Air Combat)
Ace Combat 2
Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation
Primary Operator: Osea (OMDF)
Secondary Operators: Belka (BAF)
Erusea (FEAF)
Estovakia (EAF)
Leasath (LAF)
Usean Rebel Force
Plane Variants: Sea Harrier FA.2

[edit] Description

The AV-8B V/STOL strike aircraft was designed to replace the AV-8A and the A-4M light attack aircraft. The Marine Corps requirement for a V/STOL light attack force has been well documented since the late 1950's. Combining tactical mobility, responsiveness, reduced operating cost and basing flexibility, both afloat and ashore, V/STOL aircraft are particularly well-suited to the special combat and expeditionary requirements of the Marine Corps. The AV-8BII+ features the APG-65 Radar common to the F/A-18, as well as all previous systems and features common to the AV-8B.

Operation Desert Storm in 1991 was highlighted by expeditionary air operations performed by the AV-8B. The Harrier II was the first Marine Corps tactical strike platform to arrive in theater, and subsequently operated from various basing postures. Three squadrons, totaling 60 aircraft, and one six-aircraft detachment operated ashore from an expeditionary airfield, while one squadron of 20 aircraft operated from a sea platform. During the ground war, AV-8Bs were based as close as 35 nautical miles (40.22 miles) from the Kuwait border, making them the most forward deployed tactical strike aircraft in theater. The AV-8B flew 3,380 sorties for a total of 4,083 flight hours while maintaining a mission capable rate in excess of 90%. Average turnaround time during the ground war surge rate flight operations was 23 minutes.

[edit] Armaments

Gun / 2x 25mm GAU-12/A Equalizer
Standard Missiles / AIM-9 Sidewinder

LASM AGM-84 Harpoon (AC5) QAAM AIM-9X (AC5) UGB Mk-82 (AC5) UGBL Mk-84 (AC5)

[edit] Sources

The Ace Combat Series (game weapons loadings)
Global Security.org
Fighter Planes.com
Federation of American Scientists Military Analysis Network