AV-8B Harrier IIedit
From AceWiki
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
