AV-8B Harrier II+ #165421 VMA-214, MCAS Yuma 2010

Boeing AV-8B (R)-26-MC Harrier II Plus # 165421 (cn 293) VMA-214 'Black Sheep' show bird WE-01, MCAS Yuma, March 2010.

The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft that constitutes the second generation of the Harrier Jump Jet family. Capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL), the aircraft was designed in the late 1970s as an Anglo-American development of the British Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the first operational V/STOL aircraft. Named after a bird of prey, it is primarily employed on light attack or multi-role missions, ranging from close air support of ground troops to armed reconnaissance. The AV-8B is used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the Spanish Navy, and the Italian Navy. A variant of the AV-8B, the British Aerospace Harrier II, was developed for the British military, while another, the TAV-8B, is a dedicated two-seat trainer.

The AV-8B incorporates a new wing, an elevated cockpit, a redesigned fuselage, one extra hardpoint per wing, and other structural and aerodynamic refinements. The aircraft is powered by an upgraded version of the Pegasus, which gives the aircraft its V/STOL ability. The AV-8B made its maiden flight in November 1981 and entered service with the USMC in January 1985. Later upgrades added a night-attack capability and radar, resulting in the AV-8B(NA) and AV-8B Harrier II Plus, respectively. Approximately 340 aircraft were produced in a 22-year production program that ended in 2003.

The Harrier II Plus is very similar to the Night Attack variant, with the addition of an APG-65 multi-mode pulse-Doppler radar in an extended nose, allowing it to launch advanced beyond-visual-range missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM. In addition to the AIM-120, the AV-8B Plus can also carry AGM-65 Maverick and AGM-84 Harpoon missiles.

In January 2000 work was completed on the 31st remanufactured jet by using the wings, tail and a few other components from AV-8B-6-MC Harrier II 162731 and joining them with a new fuselage, engine and other parts to create AV8 Harrier II + 165421. In February 2000 the new jet was delivered to VMA-214 “Black Sheep” based at MCAS Yuma, Arizona. Honoring the World War II Marine Corps Fighter Ace Gregory "Pappy" Boyington's name adorns the port side canopy rail. Badge wrapped around shows the F4U-4 Corsair that was flown by the squadron when Boyington was in command.