Hawker Siddeley AV-8B Harrier

The vertical takeoff attack aircraft built for expeditionary operations.

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AV-8B Harrier landing aboard Principe de Asturias. © MC LEONARDO CARRILLO

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Overview

Hawker Beechcraft United States ICAO: HAR 1981–2003 Active $25 million (1996)

The AV-8B Harrier is a vertical or short takeoff and landing attack aircraft developed for close air support missions. Designed to operate from austere bases and amphibious ships, it provides flexibility to expeditionary forces. The aircraft evolved from earlier Harrier designs.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Rolls-Royce F402-RR-408 turbofan
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
23,500 lbf · 105 kN
Avionics
Collins RT1250A/ARC U/UHF, Bendix RT-1157/APX-100 IFF system, Litton AN/ASN-130A INS
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
46 ft 4 in  ·  14.12 m
Tail height
11 ft 8 in  ·  3.55 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
30 ft 4 in  ·  9.25 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
31,000 lb  ·  14,100 kg
Max landing weight
25,000 lb  ·  11,300 kg
Max payload
13,200 lb  ·  6,000 kg
Fuel capacity
2,350 gal · 8,900 L · 7,200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
575 kt  ·  662 mph  ·  1,065 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,965 nm  ·  2,260 mi  ·  3,640 km
Fuel burn
0.75 nm/gal  ·  0.37 km/L
Ceiling
50,000 ft  ·  15,200 m
Rate of climb
14,700 ft/min  ·  75 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,700 ft  ·  520 m
Landing distance
—
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EAV-8B at RIAT 2019.

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Operational Context

Hawker Siddeley AV-8B Harrier — V/STOL attack aircraft

The Harrier concept first flew in the 1960s, with the AV-8B variant entering service in the 1980s following extensive redesign. It incorporated a larger wing, updated avionics, and structural improvements. The aircraft uses vectored thrust from a single turbofan engine for vertical operations.

Powered by a Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan producing approximately 23,000 pounds of thrust (102 kN), the AV-8B cruises at around 570 knots (1,055 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 31,000 pounds (14,060 kg). The aircraft carries a range of precision-guided and conventional munitions.

The AV-8B has served with the U.S. Marine Corps and other operators in multiple conflicts. Its ability to deploy from small ships and forward bases has defined its operational value. The Harrier family remains a unique example of V/STOL combat aircraft design.