AV-8B(NA) Harrier II #164117, VMA-311, Kadena 1998

AV-8B (NA) Harrier II Night Attack #164117 (cn194) ET-55, VMA-311 'Tomcats', Kadena NAF (Japan), 1998

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.

Fielded in 1991, the Night Attack Harrier was the first upgrade of the AV-8B. It differed from the original aircraft in having a forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera added to the top of the nose cone, a wide Smiths Industries head-up display (HUD), provisions for night vision goggles, and a Honeywell digital moving map system. The variant was powered by the F402-RR-408 engine, which featured an electronic control system and was more powerful and reliable. The flare and chaff dispensers were moved, and the ram air intake was lengthened at the fin's base. Initially known as the AV-8D, the night-attack variant was designated the AV-8B(NA).

On April 9th, 1992, the Tomcats received their first Night Attack AV-8B and were formally assigned as a night attack squadron. In May 1996 until September 1999 some of the 311 aircraft were stationed at NAF (Naval Air Facility) Kadena in Japan. One of the aircraft that went was BuNo. 164117 c/n 194 but for this assignment wore the tail code ET-55. In May 1999 this aircraft received its shark mouth paint scheme.

Alternatives:
VMA-214 OIF
164148 (cn221) WE-16, Det. A 11th MEU-SOC/HMM-166, USS Peleliu (LHA-5), OIF, 2005
164134/?? , USS Peleliu (LHA-5), OIF, 2005
163869/ WE-21(?) Al Asad OIF 2004
164148/WE-16(?) Al Asad OIF 2004
163870/PF-50

VMA-211 OIF
164119/CF-08 OIF I 2003
164128/CF-22(?), 164119/CF-12 or 13(?) OIF II, 2004
164128/YP-55, 164545/YP-56, OIF III, 13th MEU, HMM-163, LHA-1 USS TARAWA (Expeditionary Strike Group ONE) Deployment Jul.16, 2005 - Feb.20, 2006