The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft that constitutes the second generation of the Harrier family, capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL). In June 1987, as a private venture, BAe, McDonnell Douglas, and Smiths Industries agreed on the development of what was to become the AV-8B Harrier II Plus with the addition of radar and increased missile compatibility.

Production was authorized on 3 June 1992. The maiden flight of the prototype took place on 22 September, marking the start of a successful flight-test program. The first production aircraft made its initial flight on 17 March 1993. Deliveries of new aircraft took place from April 1993 to 1995. At the same time, the plan to remanufacture existing AV-8Bs to the Plus standard proceeded. The AV-8B saw extensive action during Operation Desert Storm (1991) and massed nearly 4,100 flights hours. It also massed combat hours during Operations Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherit Resolve, and Odyssey Dawn. Currently, the U.S. military is replacing the AV-8B. It is still in service with the Spanish and Italian Navies. 

Service History

Loaned to Pima Air & Space Museum by the National Naval Aviation Museum, in 2025, The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II+ initially entered service in 1986 as an AV-8B Day Attack aircraft. In 2001, it was remanufactured as an AV-8B II+ Radar aircraft. It flew with Marine Attack Squadrons (VMAs) 311, 223, 214, 513, and 231, logging 1,539 combat flight hours and a grand total of 9,671 flight hours.

Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas

Markings
U. S. Marine Corps

Designation
AV-8B Harrier II+

Serial Number
165574