The AV-8B Harrier II is a second generation vertical short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft based on the original British Harrier design of the late 1960's. Combining tactical mobility, responsiveness, reduced operating cost, and basing flexibility -- both afloat and ashore -- V/STOL aircraft are well-suited to the special combat and expeditionary requirements of the US Marine Corps.

The primary mission of the AV-8B Harrier II is to provide close air support to ground forces. Secondary missions include short range interdiction, fighter escort, deck launched interception, and combat air patrol (CAP).

After completing operational evaluation trials in March 1985, the USMC AV-8B Harrier II was formally approved for full production some six months later. A two-seat training version was introduced in 1987 and a night attack version entered service in late 1989.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale RAF Harrier GR Mk.7A jump jet that was attached to No.1 (F) Squadron then deployed to Afghanistan in 2007. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 5-inches
Length: 7-3/4-inches

Release Date: November 2022

Historical Account: "First Aloft" - Under the command of Squadron Leader Bryan Baker, No.1 squadron became the world's first operator of a V/STOL aircraft with the arrival of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier in 1969, declared operational the following year. A detachment from No.1 Squadron was deployed aboard the Carrier Battle Group (TG 317.8) of the Falklands Task Force during the Falklands War, operating from HMS Hermes and flying ground attack missions against Argentine forces. It replaced its first generation Harriers with Harrier IIs from November 23rd, 1988, being declared fully operational on the Harrier GR.5 on November 2nd, 1989. The squadron was the subject of an episode of the BBC documentary series Defense of the Realm before and during its participation in the Bosnian War as part of NATO's Operation Deny Flight. During the Kosovo war the Squadron flew sorties as part of NATO's Operation Allied Force.

No.1 Squadron left the "home of the Harrier" at RAF Wittering for RAF Cottesmore on July 28th, 2000. Cottesmore became home to all operational RAF Harrier squadrons - No.20 (Reserve) Squadron, later renumbered as No.4 (R) Squadron, the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit remained at Wittering. The squadrons both flew missions during the Iraq War and were awarded the "Iraq 2003" battle honor.

The squadron was awarded a battle honor in March 2020, recognizing its role in the War in Afghanistan.

One outcome of the Strategic Defence and Security Review by the coalition government in 2010 was the decision to take the RAF's Harriers out of service almost immediately. All Harrier units, including No.1 (F) Squadron, ceased Harrier flying on December 15th, 2010, with No.1 (F) Squadron formally disbanding on January 18th, 2011.