The AV-8B II + is the second generation of Harriers. Using its VSTOL (Vertical and Short Take
Off Landing) abilities the Harrier is capable of using almost any surface to attack and destroy air
or ground targets. Armed with conventional or specific weapons the AV-8B II + can be used in or
night. The AV-8B II + can be air refueled allowing it to
be deployed for extended periods.

Formed as VMF(N)-542 “Tigers” on March 6, 1944 the unit under went several re-designations
before becoming the VMA-542 on January 12, 1972 when it was reactivated and equipped with
the AV-8A Harrier. In 1974 VMA-542 moved to MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina and now also
equipped with the AV-8C Harrier. 1986 with the transition to the AV-8B Harrier II Plus VMA-542
saw the end of the AV-8A/C. VMA-542 spent most of 2016 onboard USS Wasp when on
September 22, 2016 AV-8B+ Harrier II 165354 crashed on departure with the pilot safely ejecting.

Specifications for the AV-8B+ (Harrier II Plus)

Developed by - Boeing, BAE Systems, and Rolls Royce

Operators – USMC, Italian Navy, Spanish Navy

Crew – (1) pilot

Performance
Powerplant – (1) Rolls-Royce Pegasus 11-61 (F402-RR-408) (Mk 105) vectored-thrust
turbofan engine,
23,500 lbf (105 kN)
Maximum speed @ sea level - .89 Mach   (662 mph)   (1,070 km/h)
Range – 1,200 nm   (1,400 mi)   (2,200 km)
Combat radius - 300 nmi   (556 km)
Ferry range - 1,800 nmi   (3,300 km)
Rate of climb - 14,700 ft/min   (4,485 m/min)

Dimensions
Length - 46 ft 4 in   (14.12 m)
Wingspan - 30 ft 4 in   (9.25 m)
Height - 11 ft 8 in   (3.55 m)
Wing area - 243.4 ft²   (22.61 m²)

Weight
Empty - 13,968 lb   (6,340 kg)
Loaded - 22,950 lb   (10,410 kg)
Max takeoff –
Rolling / 31,000 lb   (14,100 kg)
Vertical / 20,755 lb   (9,415 kg)

Armament
Guns – (1) X GAU-12U "Equalizer" 25 mm (0.98 in) cannon with 300 rounds of
ammunition.
Hardpoints – (7) capable of carrying up to 13,200 lb (STOVL) of ordnance such as iron
bombs, cluster bombs, napalm canisters, laser-guided bombs, AGM-65 Maverick or
AGM-84 Harpoon missiles, Sea Eagle missiles, a LITENING targeting pod, up to (4) AIM-
9 Sidewinder or similar-sized infrared-guided missiles, up to (4) AIM-120 AMRAAM
missiles, as well as new “Smart Weapons” such as JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition).

Avionics
Raytheon APG-65 pulse Doppler radar

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