The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL). It’s primarily employed on light attack or multi-role missions, and used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the Spanish Navy, and the Italian Navy. This second-generation Harrier Jump Jet are expected to be replaced by the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II some time during 2025. Read more to see what the vertical landing looks like from the cockpit of another aircraft.
The AV-8B Harrier II is a subsonic attack aircraft powered by a single Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine, which has two intakes and four synchronized vectorable nozzles close to its turbine. It comes equipped with one centerline fuselage and six wing hardpoints as well as two fuselage stations for a 25 mm GAU-12 cannon and ammunition pack. This gives the aircraft the ability to carry a total of 9,200 lb of weapons, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-ship missiles, along with unguided and guided bombs. It has an internal fuel capacity of 7,500 lb, but can also be air refueled using the probe-and-drogue system.