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 USMC Harrier AV-8B jump jet that was attached to VMA-214 "Black Sheep", then deployed to Afghanistan during 2013. Pre-order! Ship Date: September 2024.

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

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Tigers" - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VMFA-542) is a United States Marine Corps Aviation fighter attack squadron flying the F-35B Lightning II. VMFA-542 is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW).

In 2018, elements of VMA-542 assigned to the 26th MEU, conducted combat operations out of Shiek Isa Air Base in Bahrain. On December 1st, 2022, VMA-542 retired its remaining Harriers and transitioned to the F-35B Lightning II. VMFA-542 received its first F-35B on May 31st, 2023, and became the Marine Corps' first east coast F-35B fleet squadron after achieving Safe For Flight certification on August 11th, 2023.