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 USMC Harrier AV-8B jump jet that was attached to VMA-311 "Tomcats", then deployed to King Abdul Aziz Base, Saudi Arabia, during 1990. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: January 2024

Historical Account: "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" - VMA-311 “Tomcats” received their new AV-8B Harriers in 1988. On August 11th, 1990 the squadron deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. VMA-311 was the first Marine fixed-wing unit to arrive there as well as being the most forward deployed fixed-wing unit. Another first for the Tomcats came mid January 1991 when they became the first squadron to use AV-8Bs in combat when four aircraft destroyed an Iraqi artillery position. VMA-311 returned to their home base in Yuma, Arizona in April 1991. On April 9th, 1992, the Tomcats received their first Night Attack AV-8B and were formally assigned as a night attack squadron. From May 1996 until September 1999, some of the 311 aircraft were stationed at NAF (Naval Air Facility) Kadena in Japan. One of the aircraft that went was BuNo. 164117 c/n 194 but for this assignment wore the tail code ET-55. In May 1999, this aircraft received its shark mouth paint scheme.