How to Identify the AV-8 Harrier

The AV-8B Harrier II qualifies as the most unusual military jet fighter in the U.S. inventory. Harriers can take off and land almost like helicopters, but they have the performance of a fixed-wing jet. Assigned to the US Marines, the "jump jet" provides close air support during combined arms actions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Film
• Cameras
• Cameras
• Binoculars
• Binoculars
• Camcorders
• Videocassettes
• Camera Lenses
• Camera Accessories
• Camera Tripod
• Aircraft Band Scanner
• Air & Space Subscriptions
• Aviation Illustrated Magazine
• Telescopes
• Aviation History Subscription
• Pioneers Of Aviation Videos
• Polaroid Cameras
• Polaroid Film
• Desert Storm: Original Air Footage Videos
• Heritage Of Glory: US Marine Corps Video

1. Look for a relatively small jet fighter. The Harrier is about 46 feet long and has a wingspan of just over 30 feet.

2. Check for swept-back wings.

3. Note that the wings are mounted high on the fuselage.

4. Check also the multiple hard points on the wings for mounting munitions.

5. Note that one of the hard points near the wingtip has a mount for a small stabilizer wheel that is extended when the Harrier is on the ground. The AV-8B's main landing gear is mounted within the fuselage.

6. Check the side view again. The AV-8B carries a relatively large vertical stabilizer with an extension reaching out below the fuselage.

7. Note how the fuselage seems to slope toward the nose.

8. Notice a smaller extension from the fuselage from behind the vertical stabilizer.

9. Remember, the Harrier has a bubble canopy enclosing the cockpit.

10. Look directly behind the air intakes for the jet engine. You'll see a distinctive rotating nozzle to vector thrust downward during vertical and extremely short takeoffs and landings.

11. Note the large air intakes for the jet engine on each side of the fuselage.

12. Look at the wings and the horizontal stabilizers. Both angle downward slightly.

Tips & Warnings

• The Harrier is produced by McDonnell-Douglas, now part of Boeing Aircraft, but it's based on a British Aerospace design.
• The newest AV-8B model has been designated the Harrier II Plus and is equipped with advanced radar and other electronics to permit all-weather action. Many current models are being retrofitted to II Plus status.
• Deployed with Marine Expeditionary Units around the world, the Harrier IIs flew 3,380 combat sorties and 4,112 combat hours and delivered more than six million pounds of ordnance during Desert Storm.
• The AV-8B can reach 50,000 feet, but it's designed to do its work down low in support of ground forces and amphibious operations.
• Only the U.S. Marines have the Harrier in aircraft inventory. You may see it during air shows and exhibitions, but most AV-8Bs serve with Marine Expeditionary Units.
• Many Harriers are stationed aboard landing helicopter ships such as the USS Nassau and the USS Belleau Wood.
• Be aware of safety requirements and security arrangements when you see a Harrier on display.