Most of the information in this fact sheet was obtained from the US Airforce site. All information is general and not varient specific. If you find some wrong information, or can add anything please e-mail me.

Description
The AV-8B Harrier II is designed to attack and destroy surface and air targets, to escort helicopters, and to conduct other such air operations as may be directed.

History and Features
The AV-8B V/STOL strike aircraft was designed to replace the AV-8A and the A-4M light attack aircraft. The Marine Corps requirement for a V/STOL light attack force has been well documented since the late 1950's. Combining tactical mobility, responsiveness, reduced operating cost and basing flexibility, both afloat and ashore, V/STOL aircraft are particularly well-suited to the special combat and expeditionary requirements of the Marine Corps.

Operation Desert Storm in 1991 was highlighted by expeditionary air operations performed by the AV-8B. The Harrier II was the first Marine Corps tactical strike platform to arrive in theater, and subsequently operated from various basing postures. Three squadrons, totaling 60 aircraft, and one six-aircraft detachment operated ashore from an expeditionary airfield, while one squadron of 20 aircraft operated from a sea platform. During the ground war, AV-8Bs were based as close as 35 nautical miles (40.22 miles) from the Kuwait border, making them the most forward deployed tactical strike aircraft in theater. The AV-8B flew 3,380 sorties for a total of 4,083 flight hours while maintaining a mission capable rate in excess of 90%. Average turnaround time during the ground war surge rate flight operations was 23 minutes.

General Characteristics
Primary function: Attack and destroy surface targets under day and night visual conditions.
Contractor: McDonnell Douglas
Power plant: One Rolls Royce F402-RR-406 or F402-RR-408 turbofan engine
Thrust: 21,500 pounds
Wing span: 30.3 feet (9.24 meters)
Length: 46.3 feet (14.11 meters)
Height: 11 feet, 7 inches
Speed: 683mph
Maximum takeoff weight: 29,750lbs
Ceiling: 50,000 feet
Range: 2015 miles
Crew: One
Armament: Seven external store stations, comprising six wing stations for AIM-9 Sidewinder and an assortment of air-to-ground weapons, external fuel tanks and AGM-65 Maverick missiles; one centerline station for DECM pod or air-to-ground ordnance. A GAU-12 25MM six-barrel gun pod can be mounted on the centerline and has a 300 round capacity with a lead computing optical sight system (LCOSS) gunsight.
Unit Cost: $23.7 million
Date deployed: January 1985