AV-8B Harrier

AV-8B Harrier II is a family of second-generation vertical/short takeoff and landing ground-attack aircraft. An Anglo-American development of the UK's Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the AV-8B is the final descendant of the Hawker Siddeley P.1127. The Harrier II is primarily used for light attack or multi-role tasks, and is typically operated from small aircraft carriers, large amphibious assault ships and simple forward operating bases. The AV-8B is used by the United States Marine Corps, while the Harrier GR5, GR7 and GR9 versions were used by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Spain and Italy also use the aircraft, with the latter able to assemble them locally. A dedicated two-seat trainer version is the TAV-8B. The Harrier family models are referred to commonly as the "Harrier Jump Jet".