The AV-8B Harrier II is a second generation vertical short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft based on the original British Harrier design of the late 1960's. Combining tactical mobility, responsiveness, reduced operating cost, and basing flexibility -- both afloat and ashore -- V/STOL aircraft are well-suited to the special combat and expeditionary requirements of the US Marine Corps.

The primary mission of the AV-8B Harrier II is to provide close air support to ground forces. Secondary missions include short range interdiction, fighter escort, deck launched interception, and combat air patrol (CAP).

After completing operational evaluation trials in March 1985, the USMC AV-8B Harrier II was formally approved for full production some six months later. A two-seat training version was introduced in 1987 and a night attack version entered service in late 1989.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale RAF/RN Harrier GR. Mk. 7 Jump Jet used in Afghanistan during 2008. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 5-inches
Length: 7-3/4-inches

Release Date: November 2010

Historical Account: "Disjointed" - Joint Strike Wing, previously known as Joint Force Harrier, is the British military formation which controls the STOVL Harrier aircraft of the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm. It is sub-ordinate to RAF Air Command.

Joint Force Harrier was established on April 1st, 2000, in response to the proposal brought by the British Government as part of Strategic Defence Review. Originally called Joint Force 2000, it combined the Royal Navy's Sea Harrier FA2 squadrons with the RAF's Harrier GR 7/7A squadrons under a single command structure within RAF Strike Command. This force was to be deployable from both Invincible-class aircraft carriers, Royal Air Force stations and deployed air bases.

The Royal Navy's contribution to the force was the Sea Harrier previously part of Naval Air Command. With the retirement of the Sea Harrier in 2006 the force has migrated entirely to the Harrier GR7, and the upgraded GR9. This aircraft will continue in service until 2016 at which time it should be replaced with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. At the same time the first of the new CVF carriers should enter service, increasing the number of aircraft deployable at sea. On April 1st, 2010, Joint Force Harrier was renamed Joint Strike Wing,