Mission The mission of the VMA STOVL squadron is to attack
and destroy surface and air targets, to escort helicopters, and to conduct
other such air operations as may be directed. Specific tasks of the AV-8B
HARRIER II include:
- Conduct close air support using conventional and specific weapons.
- Conduct deep air support, to include armed reconnaissance and air
interdiction, using conventional and specific weapons.
- Conduct offensive and defensive antiair warfare. This includes combat
air patrol, armed escort missions, and offensive missions against enemy
ground-to-air defenses, all within the capabilities of the aircraft.
- Be able to operate and deliver ordnance at night and to operate under
instrument flight conditions.
- Be able to deploy for extended operations employing aerial refueling.
- Be able to deploy to and operate from carriers and other suitable
seagoing platforms, advanced bases, expeditionary airfields, and remote
tactical landing sites.
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. The AV-8BII+ features the APG-65 Radar
common to the F/A-18, as well as all previous systems and features common
to the AV-8BII.
Background
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. Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas Propulsion: One Rolls Royce F402-RR-408 turbofan engine Thrust: F402-44-408: 23,400 pounds Length: 46.3 feet (14.11 meters) Wing span: 30.3 feet (9.24 meters) Armament: MK-82 series 500lbs bombs, MK-83
series 1000lbs bombs, GBU-12 500lbs laser guided bombs, GBU-16 1000lbs
laser guided bombs, AGM-65F IR Maverick missiles, AGM-65E Laser Maverick
missiles, CBU-99 cluster munitions, AIM-9M sidewinders, Lightening
II targeting POD to deliver GBU-12 and GBU-16 bombs with pinpoint
accuracy. Crew: 1 Introduction date: 12 January 1985, AV-8BII(Plus) introduced in
June 1993 Unit Replacement Cost: $23,700,000
