AV-8B Plus (Italy)

This page is about the jet fighter AV-8B Plus (Italy). For other versions, see Harrier (Family).

▄AV-8B Plus

▄Tornado IDS (1995)

▄AV-8B Plus

▄Tornado IDS (1995)

Italy

VIII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
13.0	13.0	13.0

Class:

Strike aircraft

Naval aircraft

Research:410 000

Purchase:1 100 000

Show in game

Description

In 1989, Italy's ban on using fixed-wing aircraft in naval aviation was finally lifted and, without missing a beat, Italy signed a contract the following year for the purchase of 14 AV-8B+ VTOL fighters and 2 TAV-8B trainers for usage aboard their Giuseppe Garibaldi-class aircraft carrier. Three Harriers were built in the US and delivered to Italy before their first deployment on a peace-keeping mission to Somalia in 1995; all subsequent orders were assembled from kits domestically by Alenia Aeronautica. The Harrier IIs would form the backbone of Italian naval aviation in the modern era, being modernized for operations aboard the new Cavour-class carrier and soon the upcoming Trieste carrier, where they will be supplemented in the VTOL strike role by F-35B Lightning II fighters.

The ▄AV-8B Plus Harrier, introduced in Update "Sons of Attila", is a modernized version of the venerable AV-8 Harrier, bringing it up to 4th generation fighter standards. The upgrades applied allow this aircraft to not only carry a plethora of new guided ordnance, targeting systems, protective measures, and advanced air-to-air missiles, but also the airframe itself was heavily upgraded over previous AV-8s, with a more powerful engine and large leading edge extensions, allowing the Harrier II to manoeuvre swiftly in ways its predecessors could only imagine.

The AV-8B+ is an incredible all-rounder for the high ranks of Italy, proving to be a decent support fighter in dedicated air battles, but where it truly shines in mixed battles: With the capability to bring up to 10 x laser guided GBU-12 bombs, in addition to a LITENING II thermal pod, a GAU-12/U rotary cannon, and two AIM-9Ms for self-defence, the AV-8B+ can absolutely decimate ground forces when left unchecked in the airspace above a ground battle. Other ordnance options on the AV-8B+ include up to four AGM-65D Mavericks or the larger GBU-16 laser guided bombs, or a wide array of various unguided bombs and rockets to choose from. The aircraft also presents itself with many tricks up its sleeve due to being a VTOL: In air engagements, the act of "VIFF"ing, or "Vector In Forward Flight" allows the Harrier II to quickly force an opponent to overshoot while also tightening its own turning circle through the use of VTOL thrust vectoring. In ground battles, while a risky manoeuvre with a lot of preparation required, it is possible to use the AV-8B+ similarly to a helicopter: by hovering behind terrain cover and only popping out occasionally to launch a fire-and-forget AGM-65D Maverick missile at unsuspecting tanks.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes

Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps

Max speed

at 0 m1 134 km/h

Turn time30 s

Max altitude12 192 m

EngineRolls-Royce F402-RR-408

TypeJet

Cooling systemAir

Take-off weight14 t

Characteristics	Max speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)		Max altitude (metres)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (metres/second)		Take-off run (metres)
	AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
Stock	1,126	1,119	12192	30.9	31.6	82.7	82.7	550
Upgraded	1,143	1,134		30.1	30.5	123.1	102.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear	Drogue chute
X	✓	✓	✓	X	X

Limits
Wings (km/h)	Gear (km/h)	Flaps (km/h)			Max Static G
		Combat	Take-off	Landing	+	-
1,137	648	-	___	___	~__	~__

Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons	Rudder	Elevators	Radiator
< ___	< ___	< ___	-

Engine performance

Engine			Aircraft mass
Engine name		Number	Basic mass		Wing loading (full fuel)
Rolls-Royce F402-RR-408		1	6,679 kg		472 kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)				Max Gross Weight
Weight (each)	Type		13m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	45m fuel
1,796 kg	Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan		7,735 kg	8,215 kg	8,984 kg	10,199 kg	13,007 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition	100%	WEP	13m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	45m fuel	MGW
Stationary	10,024 kgf	10,840 kgf	1.40	1.32	1.21	1.06	0.83
Optimal	10,024 kgf (0 km/h)	10,840 kgf (0 km/h)	1.40	1.32	1.21	1.06	0.83

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff

Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar

Crew1 person

Speed of destruction

Structural0 km/h

Gear648 km/h

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB3 868 → 5 624

RB8 011 → 11 647

SB11 719 → 17 039

Total cost of modifications341 000

518 000

Talisman cost3 200

Crew training310 000

Experts1 100 000

Aces3 600

Research Aces1 350 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

80 / 320 / 600 %

256 / 256 / 256 %

Modifications

Flight performance	Survivability	Weaponry
Compressor Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 380 New boosters Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 420 Wings repair Research: 16 000 Cost: 24 000 680 Engine Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 720	Fuselage repair Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 380 Airframe Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 420 Cover Research: 16 000 Cost: 24 000 680 EFS Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 720	Flares/Chaff Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 380 LAU-3/A Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 380 gau_12_belt_pack Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 380 LITENING II Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 380 MK 77 Research: 9 000 Cost: 14 000 380 G-suit Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 420 LAU-10/A Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 420 gau_12_new_gun Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 420 GBU-12 Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 420 40px Mk82/GBU-38 Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 420 gau_12_new_gun Research: 10 000 Cost: 15 000 420 AIM-9L Research: 16 000 Cost: 24 000 680 GBU-16 Research: 16 000 Cost: 24 000 680 GBU-16 Research: 16 000 Cost: 24 000 680 Mk83 Research: 16 000 Cost: 24 000 680 AIM-9M Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 720 AIM-120A Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 720 40px AGM-65D Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 720 40px AGM-65G Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 720

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns)	CCIP (Rockets)	CCIP (Bombs)	CCRP (Bombs)	EEGS

Offensive armament

The AV-8B Plus (Italy) is armed with:

• 180 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The AV-8B Plus (Italy) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
25 mm GAU-12/U cannons (300 rpg)					1
250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs	1	3	3	2		3	3	1
250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs	1	3	3	2		3	3	1
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs	1	3	3	2		3	3	1
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs	1	3	3	2		3	3	1
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs		1	2			2	1
277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs		2*	3*			3*	2*
1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs		1*	1*			1*	1*
Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs	1	2	2			2	2	1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets		38	57			57	38
Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets		8	12			12	8
AGM-65D missiles		1	1			1	1
AGM-65G missiles		1	1			1	1
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles	1	1					1	1
AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles	1	1					1	1
AIM-120A missiles		1	1			1	1
LITENING II targeting pod				1*
* The LITENING II pod must be equipped when carrying guided bombs

Default weapon presets

1 x 25 mm GAU-12/U cannon (300 rpg) 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AIM-120A missiles 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 4 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles 190 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 40 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets 16 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,000 lb total) 16 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (4,000 lb total) 16 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (8,000 lb total) 16 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (8,000 lb total) 6 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (6,000 lb total) 10 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (2,770 kg total) 4 x 1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs (4,368 lb total) 4 x AGM-65D missiles 10 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs 4 x AGM-65G missiles 4 x AIM-120A missiles

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Great payload options, access to a very diverse range of ground attack ordnance which include laser-guided bombs and missiles, including long range AIM-120A Fox 3 missile
• Has access to VTOL, can be used to capture enemy points or even hide the aircraft when engaging enemies
• Can sustain long dogfights with its decent energy retention
• Has built-in target tracker and FLIR even without targeting pod
• Has Pilot NVD

Cons:

• Relatively slow top speed compared to other modern aircraft
• Need to be in a light configuration if you want to survive dogfights
• Not very armoured, can't handle being damaged unlike other aircraft

History

The Italian's Harrier story begins on 1st February 1989. Due to post-war laws, Italy had very strict guidelines to follow when it came down to its own military forces, these laws would however change shortly after Italy would join NATO. Of these many laws, one would prohibit the Italian Navy from possessing heavily armed aircraft. As such, a new law would be passed known as the "La Legge N.36 del 1 febbraio del 1989 " or "Ali alla Marina" (wings to the Navy) which allowed the Italian Navy to equip itself with armed jets to not only bolster its forces, but mainly to guarantee the security of the Italian Navy and one of its flagships known as the Garibaldi. The Italian Navy was only looking for VTOL/STOL aircraft, so in turn it went for the Harrier, as it fit the role perfectly. Italy was always interested in the Harrier and had even designed a few VTOL/STOL designs of its own, one of the Harrier prototypes was also tested in Italy which likely further pushed the Italian Navy's interest in the platform. This aircraft has been seen being used in multiple countries. Users of the Harrier II include Spain, America and the UK under several different variants. BAE systems had acquired the right to further develop and build the AV-8A that the Americans were already using, so in turn BAE systems had improved it so much such as giving it a better engine. Along other upgrades and changes BAE systems had practically made a new machine which now went under the name of the AV-8B, and also went by the name of "Harrier II". It had access to the latest logistical equipment, and was able to partake in day/night operations.

Due to this, it was the perfect vehicle for the Italian Navy. In September 1990, Italy decided to join the "Plus" program, which aimed to equip the Harriers with radar suites, in which Spain and the US also joined. Italy had bought 18 of the AV-8B, and 2 of the TAV-8B Harrier IIs for training. The Italian government also struck a deal with the United States which allowed Italian Navy pilots to directly train with the Harrier and familiarize themselves with the platform in the US even before they were delivered to Italy. In February 1994, the first Harrier was delivered to the Italian Navy, and by November of that same year, 3 Harriers would call the Garibaldi their new home. Part of the acquisition also allowed Italy to modify their own Harriers (which Alenia would be in charge of). The weapon of choice for the Italian Harriers in terms of air-to-air combat would be the Hughes AIM-120B AMRAAM and the AIM-9L Sidewinder, which at the time were very modern missiles. Italy would also use upgraded variants of those 2 missiles as the years went on. Besides air combat, Italian Navy Harriers were surprisingly well-armed in their air-to-ground configuration, not even the Italian airforce AMX was as heavily armed as the Harrier was during its service. In terms of armament, its main cannon comprised of a GAU-12A 25 mm, something which was already in use with other aircraft of the era. Stand-off capability also included a wide range of laser-guided bombs such as the Paveway series, for anti-tank they had access to the AGM-65 Maverick in 2 different variants. Other optional equipment included unguided rockets and bombs, flare and chaff countermeasures, RWR, and ECM.

Italian Harriers participated in Operation "United Shield" in Somalia, performing multiple recon missions for the American Marines and the Italian "San Marco" regiment. They participated in "Operazione alba neo" in Albania, and had to scramble and intercept multiple jets daily, and in Enduring Freedom where they racked up more than 800 flight hours in combat missions. They also took part with Allied Forces in Kosovo, Operazione Leonte in Lebanon where it was mainly used for monitoring airspace. One of the times it was used as a ground strike aircraft would be in Libya during Operation Unified Protector, and managed to rack up to 1,040 flight hours. Overall, Italian Harriers proved to be a more than useful platform for the Italian Navy, they are soon to be phased out as the Italian Navy begins to put into service their new F-35s.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the AV-8B Plus (Italy) from live.warthunder.com.

See also

Related development

• Harrier (Family)

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

• https://www.seaforces.org/marint/Italian-Navy/Aviation/AV-8B-Harrier.htm
• https://www.marina.difesa.it/noi-siamo-la-marina/mezzi/forze-aeree/Pagine/av8b.aspx

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation
Jet Fighters	F2H-2 · F3H-2
	F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
	F-15A · F-15C MSIP II · F-15E
Strike Aircraft	AV-8B Plus · AV-8B (NA)
Helicopters	AH-6M
Export/Licensed
Aircraft	◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F · ◄F-4F KWS LV · Phantom FG.1 · Phantom FGR.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · F-4EJ Phantom II · F-4EJ ADTW · Kurnass · Kurnass 2000
	F-15J · F-15J(M) · Baz · Baz Meshupar · F-15I Ra’am
	▄AV-8B Plus
Helicopters	Lahatut
	The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation merged with Douglas Aircraft Company in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Later it was merged with The Boeing Company in 1997.
See Also	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Italy jet aircraft
Aerfer	Sagittario 2 · Ariete
Fiat	G.91 pre-serie · G.91 R/1 · G.91 R/4 (Portugal) · G.91 Y · G.91 YS
AMX International	AMX · AMX A-1A (Brazil)
Panavia	Tornado ADV · ▄Tornado IDS · ▄Tornado IDS (1995)
	Foreign:
Vampire	Vampire FB 52A
F-84	▄F-84F · ▄F-84G-21-RE
F-86	CL-13 Mk.4 · ▄F-86K
F-104	▄F-104G · F-104S · ▄F-104S TAF (Turkey) · F-104S.ASA
F-16	▄F-16A ADF
AV-8	▄AV-8B Plus
Hungary
Mikoyan-Gurevich	◔MiG-15bis · ◔MiG-17PF · ◔MiG-21MF · ◔MiG-21bis-SAU · ◔MiG-23MF · ◔MiG-29
Ilyushin	◔IL-28
Sukhoi	◔Su-22M3
Saab	◔JAS39EBS HU C