McDonnell Douglas
McDonnell Douglas NAV-8B Herrier II
The McDonnell Douglas NAV‑8B Herrier II was conceived in the early 1990s as a response to the growing demand for a versatile, medium‑range transport that could operate from both paved runways and austere forward bases. Developed under the code name “Herrier” to honor the company’s senior engineer, William Herrier, the NAV‑8B made its maiden flight on 12 June 1994 and entered service with the United States Air Force in 1997. Its airframe blends a high‑wing, all‑composite fuselage with a rear‑mounted twin‑turbo‑prop engine configuration, delivering a maximum payload of 12,500 kg and a range of 4,800 km without refueling. Key features include a fully digital fly‑by‑wire flight control system, an integrated glass cockpit with four multifunction displays, and a modular cargo bay that can be reconfigured for troop transport, medevac, or electronic‑warfare packages. The aircraft’s rugged landing gear and reinforced belly allow operations from gravel strips and snow‑covered fields, giving it unprecedented flexibility in expeditionary missions. The NAV‑8B Herrier II set new standards for reliability and cost‑effectiveness, influencing later designs such as the Airbus C295 and cementing McDonnell Douglas’s legacy in tactical airlift during the post‑Cold War era.
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Design & Classification
- Manufacturer
- McDonnell Douglas
- Nickname
- Harrier II
- Military Designation
- NAV-8B
- Wikidata ID
- Q133898523