AV-8B Harrier II
Specs, top speed, range and facts
The AV-8B Harrier II is a short takeoff and vertical landing attack jet built by McDonnell Douglas / BAe in the USA / UK. It first flew in 1978 and entered service in 1985. Strike from ships and short strips without a runway, by swiveling the engine's thrust.
Photo: McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II on Wikipedia (free licence)
- Top speed1,083 km/h (673 mph)
- Range2,200 km (1,367 miles)
- First flight1978
- Wingspan9.3 m (30 ft)
AV-8B Harrier II specs
| Top speed | 1,083 km/h (673 mph) · Mach 1.02 |
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| Range | 2,200 km (1,367 miles) |
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| Length | 14.1 m (46 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 9.3 m (30 ft) |
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| Height | 3.6 m (12 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 14 t (31,085 lb) |
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| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot |
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| Engines | 1 × Pegasus vectored-thrust turbofan |
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| First flight | 1978 |
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| Entered service | 1985 |
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| Built by | McDonnell Douglas / BAe (USA / UK) |
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AV-8B Harrier II facts
- It takes off and lands vertically by swiveling four engine nozzles.
- Pilots can swivel the nozzles in forward flight to brake and dodge.
Quick quiz
When did the AV-8B Harrier II first fly?
In 1978.
Who built the AV-8B Harrier II?
McDonnell Douglas / BAe, in the USA / UK.
How fast can the AV-8B Harrier II fly?
Its top speed is 1,083 km/h (673 mph) · Mach 1.02.
How far can the AV-8B Harrier II fly?
About 2,200 km (1,367 miles).
Photos, a true-scale silhouette, quizzes, flashcards, the Size Lab and the Sky Run game.
AV-8B Harrier II vs similar aircraft
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