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-211 "Wake Island Avengers" then embarked upon USS Essex (LHD-2) during 2013. Back Order! Return to stock date: 2026.

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

Release Date: March 2025

Historical Account: "Lead by Example" - Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211) is a United States Marine Corps attack squadron consisting of AV-8B Harrier (V/STOL) jets. Known as the "Wake Island Avengers" and the "Bastion Defenders," the squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).

In September 2012, while VMA-211 was deployed to Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, the Taliban attacked and destroyed several of the squadron's Harrier aircraft. Despite being armed with only a handgun, the squadron's commander, Lt. Col. Christopher K. Raible, lead a counterattack against the Taliban insurgents, but was killed by an explosion.