The AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) that constitutes the second generation of the Harrier Jump Jet family. Capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing (VSTOL), the aircraft was designed in the late 1970s as an Anglo-American development of the British Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the first operational VSTOL aircraft. In the video at hand, a Spanish Navy AV-8B makes an impressive display at 'Festa al Cel 2017' airshow in Catalonia, Spain, at the Lleida-Alguaire regional airport. The performance includes the display of short take-off and landing capabilities as well as hover flight and transitions to and from normal cruise flight. The current demonstration also shows some high-G turns and slow-speed 'hybrid' flight with half deflected engine nozzles.
Named after a bird of prey, the Harrier is primarily employed on light attack or multi-role missions, ranging from close air support of ground troops (CAS) to armed reconnaissance. The AV-8B is used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the Spanish Navy and the Italian Navy. A variant of the AV-8B, the British Aerospace Harrier II, was developed for the British military, while another, the TAV-8B, is a dedicated two-seat trainer.
The aircraft is powered by an upgraded version of the Pegasus jet engine, which gives the aircraft its VSTOL capability. The AV-8B made its maiden flight in November 1981 and entered service with the USMC in January 1985. Later upgrades added a night-attack capability and radar, resulting in the AV-8B(NA) and AV-8B Harrier II Plus, respectively. Approximately 340 aircraft were produced in a 22-year production program that ended in 2003.
Typically operated from small aircraft carriers, large amphibious assault ships and simple forward operating bases, AV-8Bs have participated in numerous military and 'humanitarian' operations, proving themselves versatile assets.
USMC, Spanish and Italian Navy AV-8Bs are going to be gradually replaced by the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II in the current decade.
Spain, already using the AV-8S Matador, became the first international operator of the AV-8B by signing an order for 12 aircraft in March 1983. In March 1993, eight additional EAV-8B Plus Matadors were ordered, along with a twin-seat TAV-8B. Deliveries of the Plus-standard aircraft started in 1996.
Designated VA-2 Matador II by the Spanish Navy (Armada Española), this variant is known as EAV-8B by McDonnell Douglas. Pilot conversion took place in the US. BAe test pilots cleared the aircraft carrier Príncipe de Asturias for Harrier operations in July 1989. The carrier, which replaced the World War II-era Dédalo, has a 12° ski-jump ramp.
Following the decommissioning of Príncipe de Asturias in February 2013, the sole naval platform from which Spanish Harrier IIs can operate is the amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I.
Find out more about this aircraft here:
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