McDonnell Douglas TAV-8B Harrier II

The McDonnell Douglas TAV‑8B Harrier II is a revolutionary V‑STOL (vertical/short‑take‑off and landing) attack aircraft that entered U.S. Navy service in 1985. Developed from the British Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the TAV‑8B combined a powerful Pegasus turbofan engine with advanced thrust‑vectoring nozzles, enabling it to hover, take off vertically, and operate from the flight decks of small carriers and amphibious assault ships. Its airframe incorporates composite materials, a redesigned wing with leading‑edge extensions, and a modern avionics suite featuring a heads‑up display, night‑vision compatibility, and digital navigation. Armed with a 25 mm GAU‑17 cannon, multiple air‑to‑ground missiles, and a variety of precision‑guided munitions, the Harrier II provided close‑air support and anti‑ship strike capabilities that were unmatched by conventional fixed‑wing platforms. Throughout the Gulf War and the Balkans conflicts, the TAV‑8B proved its flexibility and survivability, influencing future aircraft such as the F‑35B Lightning II. Its legacy lies in demonstrating that vertical‑flight technology could be employed effectively in combat, reshaping carrier aviation strategy worldwide. More than 340 TAV‑8B units were built, serving with both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps until the early 2020s. The aircraft’s low‑observable maintenance footprint and ability to operate from austere forward bases cemented its role as a force multiplier in expeditionary warfare.