Difference between revisions of "AV-8B (NA)"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
During the late 80's, the new AV-8B was starting to show its shortcomings as a "day attacker", and therefore a "night attacker" variant was proposed right away. This variant would have advanced navigation and targeting systems for nighttime strikes, relying on FLIR thermal imaging, day/night color maps, and various other improvements. One of the largest upgrades was the addition of the Hughes AN/ASB-19 FLIR targeting sight in the nose, similar to that found on the [[Harrier GR.7|British Harrier IIs]], allowing for highly accurate bombing, navigation, and guidance of precision ordnance in almost all weather conditions and times of day. This new variant was originally going to be designated the AV-8D, but to avoid complications, was redesignated to the AV-8B (NA), with NA standing for "Night Attack". All initial AV-8Bs were upgraded to either the AV-8B NA or the [[AV-8B Plus|AV-8B+]] standard, the latter of which was a further upgrade of the AV-8B which integrated more advanced avionics, a built-in radar, and AIM-120 capability.
+
During the late '80s, the new AV-8B was starting to show its shortcomings as a "day attacker", and therefore a "night attacker" variant was proposed. This variant would have advanced navigation and targeting systems for nighttime strikes, relying on FLIR thermal imaging, day/night color maps, and various other improvements. One of the largest upgrades was the addition of the Hughes AN/ASB-19 FLIR targeting sight in the nose, similar to that found on the [[Harrier GR.7|British Harrier IIs]], allowing for highly accurate bombing, navigation, and guidance of precision ordnance in almost all weather conditions and times of day. This new variant was originally going to be designated the AV-8D, but to avoid complications, was redesignated to the AV-8B (NA), with NA standing for "Night Attack". All initial AV-8Bs were upgraded to either the AV-8B NA or the [[AV-8B Plus|AV-8B+]] standard, the latter of which was a further upgrade of the AV-8B which integrated more advanced avionics, a built-in radar, and AIM-120 capability.
  
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a high-tier premium American strike aircraft introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]] as a replacement for the [[AV-8A|AV-8A Harrier]] premium which was removed from sale earlier that year. The AV-8B (NA) is a very strong aircraft at its BR, being directly better than the other Harrier at this BR, the [[Sea Harrier FRS.1]], in almost every single way. What the AV-8B (NA) lacks in BVR capability, due to its lack of radar or long range missiles, is made up in the incredible flight performance, great IR missiles for its battle rating, and the VIFFing (Vector In Forward Flight) potential using the thrust vectoring nozzles, allowing the Harrier to catch enemies off guard and turn almost any low-speed dogfight in its favor. But where the AV-8B Night Attacker truly shines... is the attacker role as its name implies. The AV-8B NA has access to one of, if not the best ground strike package at its battle rating in ground battles, with the capability to use a plethora of guided ordnance such as the laser guided Paveways and AGM-65E, the TV guided AGM-65D and G, and the GPS guided JDAMs, along with various other unguided weapons. The GAU-12 Equalizer 25mm rotary cannon also has access a very high firerate and a very punchy set of ammunition belts, which when aided with the EEGS for air combat or the CCIP for ground attack, allow this aircraft to make short work of pretty much any tank or plane it faces at closer ranges. Coupled with the advanced avionics, an incredible targeting pod which can further enhance low visibility targeting over the built-in FLIR camera, and its vast amount of countermeasures, the AV-8B NA is overall a very powerful, jack-of-all trades aircraft for its battle rating.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]], the AV-8B (NA) is a very strong aircraft at its BR, being directly better than the other Harrier at this BR, the [[Sea Harrier FRS.1]], in almost every way. What the AV-8B (NA) lacks in BVR capability, due to its lack of radar or long-range missiles, is made up for in the incredible flight performance, great IR missiles for its battle rating, and the VIFFing (Vector In Forward Flight) potential using the thrust vectoring nozzles, allowing the Harrier to catch enemies off guard and turn almost any low-speed dogfight in its favour. However, where the AV-8B Night Attacker truly shines is in the attacker role, as its name implies. The AV-8B NA has access to one of, if not the best, ground strike packages at its battle rating in ground battles, with the capability to use a plethora of guided ordnance such as the laser-guided Paveways and AGM-65E, the TV-guided AGM-65D and G, and the GPS-guided JDAMs, along with various other unguided weapons. The GAU-12 Equalizer 25 mm rotary cannon also has access to a very high fire rate and a very punchy set of ammunition belts, which when aided with the EEGS for air combat or the CCIP for ground attack, allow this aircraft to make short work of pretty much any tank or plane it faces at closer ranges. Coupled with the advanced avionics, an incredible targeting pod which can further enhance low-visibility targeting over the built-in FLIR camera, and its vast amount of countermeasures, the AV-8B NA is overall a very powerful, jack-of-all-trades aircraft for its battle rating.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''The AV-8 has a great zero to takeoff speed, just like all other harriers, however, this harrier does NOT get any VTOL (Vertical Takeoff Or Landing) and the engine overheats very quickly when at 90%-110% so be sure to keep it bellow that number. This aircraft has overall decent maneuverability, but you will bleed speed when doing a high G turn. This aircraft can also hold up to 4 AIM-9L's, which can allow multiple kills on distracted enemies. One great part of this aircraft is it's usefulness in Ground RB allowing guided bombs, unguided bombs, and ATGM's (Air To Ground Missiles).''
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
  
 
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== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
As the first generation of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier, designated as the AV-8A and the Harrier GR.1, came into use, several drawbacks were revealed including limited combat radius, low payload delivery, lack of ECM (electronic countermeasure) systems, etc. While some problems could be addressed with the installment of improved avionics (resulting in the AV-8C and Harrier GR.3), issues in payload delivery required a redesigned fuselage and engine. Thus, Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas began to develop a more advanced version of the Harrier with a larger fuselage and the Pegasus engine, unofficially dubbed the "AV-16", due to the goals of producing a plane with twice the payload and range of the AV-8. In 1975, however, the RAF pulled out of the project due to budget constraints, and the USMC was unwilling to sponsor the project by itself, resulting in its cancellation in the same year. Since then, McDonnell Douglas began to design a new Harrier based on the existing AV-8A, reconfiguring two AV-8As with redesigned wings, intake, exhaust nozzles, and other aerodynamic changes, leading to the YAV-8B. Further tests with YAV-8B regarding payload delivery, range, and VTOL capabilities proved satisfactory, and the AV-8B was officially procured by the USMC as its new generation of VTOL strike aircraft.
+
As the first generation of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier, designated as the AV-8A and the Harrier GR.1, came into use, several drawbacks were revealed including limited combat radius, low payload delivery, lack of ECM (electronic countermeasure) systems, etc. While some problems could be addressed with the installment of improved avionics (resulting in the AV-8C and Harrier GR.3), issues in payload delivery required a redesigned fuselage and engine. Thus, Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas began to develop a more advanced version of the Harrier with a larger fuselage and the Pegasus engine, unofficially dubbed the "AV-16", due to the goals of producing a plane with twice the payload and range of the AV-8. In 1975, however, the RAF pulled out of the project due to budget constraints, and the USMC was unwilling to sponsor the project by itself, resulting in its cancellation in the same year. Since then, McDonnell Douglas began to design a new Harrier based on the existing AV-8A, reconfiguring two AV-8As with redesigned wings, intake, exhaust nozzles, and other aerodynamic changes, leading to the YAV-8B. Further tests with YAV-8B regarding payload delivery, range, and VTOL capabilities proved satisfactory, and the AV-8B was officially procured by the USMC as its new generation of VTOL strike aircraft.
  
 
In 1985, McDonnell Douglas sought to enhance the all-weather capability of the AV-8B, fitting it with FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) sensors, Hughes AN/ASB-19 ARBS (Angle Rate Bombing System), F-402-RR-408 engine, and an improved HUD and MFD, offering night attack capabilities. Though initially called the AV-8D, this new variant came into service in 1987 designated the AV-8B (NA), or the Harrier Night Attack variant.
 
In 1985, McDonnell Douglas sought to enhance the all-weather capability of the AV-8B, fitting it with FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) sensors, Hughes AN/ASB-19 ARBS (Angle Rate Bombing System), F-402-RR-408 engine, and an improved HUD and MFD, offering night attack capabilities. Though initially called the AV-8D, this new variant came into service in 1987 designated the AV-8B (NA), or the Harrier Night Attack variant.
  
−
The AV-8B saw extensive combat during its long service history. It was first used in Operation Desert Storm where AV-8Bs based on the USS ''Nassau'' and USS ''Tarawa'' supported coalition forces in the Battle of Khafji, dropping guided munitions on Iraqi artillery and provided support for USMC and coalition forces. Later, during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, AV-8Bs were deployed at forward operation bases (FOBs) due to their STOL/VTOL capabilities and had a much faster response time compared to USAF and USN aircraft, which had to take off from airfields in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or carriers. AV-8Bs carrying LITENING targeting pods flew reconnaissance missions and dropped guided munitions on Al-Qaeda forces and the Iraqi military, flying over 5000 sorties and demolishing a large number of Taliban and Iraqi vehicles and personnel. AV-8Bs also took part in Operation Odyssey Dawn. When a USAF F-15E crashed in Libya due to mechanical failure, both pilots ejected successfully and were stranded deep in enemy territory. Two AV-8Bs dropped 250lb Paveway munition to deter Libyan ground forces from approaching the pilots, and one of the AV-8Bs dropped additional munitions on the wreckage of the F-15E to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. All AV-8B (NA) and AV-8B Plus continue to serve until 2025, by then replaced by newer F-35Bs.
+
The AV-8B saw extensive combat during its long service history. It was first used in Operation Desert Storm where AV-8Bs based on the USS ''Nassau'' and USS ''Tarawa'' supported coalition forces in the Battle of Khafji, dropping guided munitions on Iraqi artillery and provided support for USMC and coalition forces. Later, during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, AV-8Bs were deployed at forward operation bases (FOBs) due to their STOL/VTOL capabilities and had a much faster response time compared to USAF and USN aircraft, which had to take off from airfields in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or carriers. AV-8Bs carrying LITENING targeting pods flew reconnaissance missions and dropped guided munitions on Al-Qaeda forces and the Iraqi military, flying over 5000 sorties and demolishing a large number of Taliban and Iraqi vehicles and personnel. AV-8Bs also took part in Operation Odyssey Dawn. When a USAF F-15E crashed in Libya due to mechanical failure, both pilots ejected successfully and were stranded deep in enemy territory. Two AV-8Bs dropped 250lb Paveway munition to deter Libyan ground forces from approaching the pilots, and one of the AV-8Bs dropped additional munitions on the wreckage of the F-15E to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. All AV-8B (NA) and AV-8B Plus continue to serve until 2025, by then replaced by newer F-35Bs.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==

Latest revision as of 09:16, 30 September 2024

This page is about the American jet fighter AV-8B (NA). For other versions, see Harrier (Family).
AV-8B (NA)
av_8b_na.png
GarageImage AV-8B (NA).jpg
AV-8B (NA)
USA flag.png USA
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.3 11.3 11.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
STORE

Description

During the late '80s, the new AV-8B was starting to show its shortcomings as a "day attacker", and therefore a "night attacker" variant was proposed. This variant would have advanced navigation and targeting systems for nighttime strikes, relying on FLIR thermal imaging, day/night color maps, and various other improvements. One of the largest upgrades was the addition of the Hughes AN/ASB-19 FLIR targeting sight in the nose, similar to that found on the British Harrier IIs, allowing for highly accurate bombing, navigation, and guidance of precision ordnance in almost all weather conditions and times of day. This new variant was originally going to be designated the AV-8D, but to avoid complications, was redesignated to the AV-8B (NA), with NA standing for "Night Attack". All initial AV-8Bs were upgraded to either the AV-8B NA or the AV-8B+ standard, the latter of which was a further upgrade of the AV-8B which integrated more advanced avionics, a built-in radar, and AIM-120 capability.

Introduced in Update "Dance of Dragons", the AV-8B (NA) is a very strong aircraft at its BR, being directly better than the other Harrier at this BR, the Sea Harrier FRS.1, in almost every way. What the AV-8B (NA) lacks in BVR capability, due to its lack of radar or long-range missiles, is made up for in the incredible flight performance, great IR missiles for its battle rating, and the VIFFing (Vector In Forward Flight) potential using the thrust vectoring nozzles, allowing the Harrier to catch enemies off guard and turn almost any low-speed dogfight in its favour. However, where the AV-8B Night Attacker truly shines is in the attacker role, as its name implies. The AV-8B NA has access to one of, if not the best, ground strike packages at its battle rating in ground battles, with the capability to use a plethora of guided ordnance such as the laser-guided Paveways and AGM-65E, the TV-guided AGM-65D and G, and the GPS-guided JDAMs, along with various other unguided weapons. The GAU-12 Equalizer 25 mm rotary cannon also has access to a very high fire rate and a very punchy set of ammunition belts, which when aided with the EEGS for air combat or the CCIP for ground attack, allow this aircraft to make short work of pretty much any tank or plane it faces at closer ranges. Coupled with the advanced avionics, an incredible targeting pod which can further enhance low-visibility targeting over the built-in FLIR camera, and its vast amount of countermeasures, the AV-8B NA is overall a very powerful, jack-of-all-trades aircraft for its battle rating.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 0 m1 125 km/h
Turn time30 s
Max altitude12 192 m
EngineRolls-Royce F402-RR-406
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight14 t

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

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 ___ ___ 12192 __._ __._ __._ __._ 550
Upgraded 1,134 1,125 29.2 30.0 111.4 90.0

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 Pegasus F402-RR-406 1 _,___ kg ___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type _m fuel __m fuel __m fuel
___ kg ___ _,___ kg _,___ kg _,___ kg _,___ kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
Condition 100% ___%/WEP _m fuel __m fuel __m fuel MGW
Stationary ___ kgf ___ kgf _.__ _.__ _.__ _.__
Optimal ___ kgf
(_ km/h) 		___ kgf
(_ km/h) 		_.__ _.__ _.__ _.__

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

The AV-8B (NA) lacks any internal or external armour, and has little chance of survival when encountering a close hit or direct impact of SAM or AAMs. However, VTOL capabilities could help slightly, as it would be easier to land a wounded AV-8B compared to other jets not capable of vertical landing.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 245 Sl icon.png
RB5 627 Sl icon.png
SB7 751 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 560 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 420 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 90 / 340 / 600 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods thermal sight.png
LITENING II
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
gau_12_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
MK 77
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Mods laser guided bomb.png
GBU-12
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
gau_12_new_gun
Mods laser guided bomb.png
Mk82/GBU-38
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods night vision device.png
NVD
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9L
Mods laser guided bomb.png
GBU-16
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-65E
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-65G

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) EEGS
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

The AV-8B (NA) is armed with:

  • 180 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Hardpoints AV-8B Plus (Italy).png
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
500 lb GBU-38(V)2/B JDAM bombs 2 3 3 2
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-65E2 missiles 1* 1* 1* 1*
AGM-65G missiles 1 1 1 1
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1
LITENING II targeting pod 1*
* The LITENING II pod must be equipped when carrying laser-guided munitions
Default weapon presets
  • 1 x 25 mm GAU-12/U cannon (300 rpg)
  • 4 x AIM-9L 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 500 lb GBU-38(V)2/B JDAM bombs (5,000 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-65E2 missiles
  • 10 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
  • 4 x AGM-65G 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:

  • VTOL capability
  • Large number of payload options, including the AGM-65 Maverick, GBU guided bombs, and JDAMs
  • All-weather combat capability and LITENING II targeting pod
  • All-aspect AIM-9L missiles
  • 180 countermeasures
  • Hard-hitting gun, with SAPHEI, HVAP, and HEI rounds

Cons:

  • Subsonic, cannot exceed Mach 1 in level flight
  • Lacks a radar or radar-guided missiles
  • Mediocre flight capabilities
  • Extremely limited ammo count for the autocannon

History

As the first generation of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier, designated as the AV-8A and the Harrier GR.1, came into use, several drawbacks were revealed including limited combat radius, low payload delivery, lack of ECM (electronic countermeasure) systems, etc. While some problems could be addressed with the installment of improved avionics (resulting in the AV-8C and Harrier GR.3), issues in payload delivery required a redesigned fuselage and engine. Thus, Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas began to develop a more advanced version of the Harrier with a larger fuselage and the Pegasus engine, unofficially dubbed the "AV-16", due to the goals of producing a plane with twice the payload and range of the AV-8. In 1975, however, the RAF pulled out of the project due to budget constraints, and the USMC was unwilling to sponsor the project by itself, resulting in its cancellation in the same year. Since then, McDonnell Douglas began to design a new Harrier based on the existing AV-8A, reconfiguring two AV-8As with redesigned wings, intake, exhaust nozzles, and other aerodynamic changes, leading to the YAV-8B. Further tests with YAV-8B regarding payload delivery, range, and VTOL capabilities proved satisfactory, and the AV-8B was officially procured by the USMC as its new generation of VTOL strike aircraft.

In 1985, McDonnell Douglas sought to enhance the all-weather capability of the AV-8B, fitting it with FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) sensors, Hughes AN/ASB-19 ARBS (Angle Rate Bombing System), F-402-RR-408 engine, and an improved HUD and MFD, offering night attack capabilities. Though initially called the AV-8D, this new variant came into service in 1987 designated the AV-8B (NA), or the Harrier Night Attack variant.

The AV-8B saw extensive combat during its long service history. It was first used in Operation Desert Storm where AV-8Bs based on the USS Nassau and USS Tarawa supported coalition forces in the Battle of Khafji, dropping guided munitions on Iraqi artillery and provided support for USMC and coalition forces. Later, during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, AV-8Bs were deployed at forward operation bases (FOBs) due to their STOL/VTOL capabilities and had a much faster response time compared to USAF and USN aircraft, which had to take off from airfields in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or carriers. AV-8Bs carrying LITENING targeting pods flew reconnaissance missions and dropped guided munitions on Al-Qaeda forces and the Iraqi military, flying over 5000 sorties and demolishing a large number of Taliban and Iraqi vehicles and personnel. AV-8Bs also took part in Operation Odyssey Dawn. When a USAF F-15E crashed in Libya due to mechanical failure, both pilots ejected successfully and were stranded deep in enemy territory. Two AV-8Bs dropped 250lb Paveway munition to deter Libyan ground forces from approaching the pilots, and one of the AV-8Bs dropped additional munitions on the wreckage of the F-15E to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. All AV-8B (NA) and AV-8B Plus continue to serve until 2025, by then replaced by newer F-35Bs.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


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
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
  ▄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

USA jet aircraft
  Fighters
F-4  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
F-5  F-5A · F-5C · F-5E · F-20A
F-8  F8U-2 · F-8E
F-80  F-80A-5 · F-80C-10
F-84  F-84B-26 · F-84F · F-84G-21-RE
F-86  F-86A-5 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-35
F-89  F-89B · F-89D
F-100  F-100D
F-104  F-104A · F-104C
F-14  F-14A Early · F-14B
F-15  F-15A · F-15C MSIP II
F-16  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
F9F  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
Other  P-59A · F2H-2 · F3D-1 · F3H-2 · F4D-1 · F11F-1
  Strike Aircraft
FJ-4  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
A-4  A-4B · A-4E Early
A-6  A-6E TRAM
A-7  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
AV-8  AV-8A · AV-8C · AV-8B Plus · AV-8B (NA)
A-10  A-10A · A-10A Late · A-10C
B-57  B-57A · B-57B
F-105  F-105D
F-111  F-111A · F-111F

USA premium aircraft
Fighters  Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-40C · P-43A-1
  P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55
  ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Twin-engine fighters  XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3
Jet fighters  P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A
Strike aircraft  A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · AV-8B (NA) · A-6E TRAM · A-10A
Bombers  A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner" · PV-2D

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