McDonnell Douglas
Harrier II
The Harrier II, officially designated the AV-8B Harrier, is a second‑generation vertical/short‑takeoff and landing (V/STOL) combat aircraft developed in the early 1980s by McDonnell Douglas in partnership with British Aerospace. Building on the pioneering Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the AV‑8B incorporated a larger wing, upgraded Pegasus turbofan engine, and digital flight‑control system, allowing greater payload, extended range, and improved maneuverability. First flying in 1981 and entering service with the United States Marine Corps in 1985, the Harrier II quickly proved its operational flexibility, capable of operating from amphibious assault ships, forward airfields, and even improvised roadways. Its ability to hover and transition to forward flight provided unprecedented close‑air support, reconnaissance, and interdiction capabilities in environments where conventional runways were unavailable or destroyed. Over the decades the type has seen combat in the Gulf War, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq, demonstrating durability and adaptability. The Harrier II’s success cemented V/STOL technology as a viable combat solution, influencing later designs such as the F‑35B and reinforcing McDonnell Douglas’s reputation for innovative aerospace engineering. Today, over 300 AV‑8B aircraft remain active worldwide, and continuous upgrades such as the Common Core II avionics suite ensure the platform remains relevant for modern joint operations.
