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AV-8B Harrier II – 7 Wild Facts About the Fighter Jet That Can Take Off Vertically

AV-8B Harrier II – 7 wild facts about the fighter jet that can take off vertically

Aldo Bidini (GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2 http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html), via Wikimedia Commons
Aldo Bidini (GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2 http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html), via Wikimedia Commons
Mikkel Preisler
By Mikkel Preisler 13. July 2025
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Angel Roman-Otero., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Angel Roman-Otero., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The AV-8B Harrier II is a true aviation icon, renowned for its ability to take off and land vertically. Here are seven of the most impressive facts about this legendary aircraft—ranked from fascinating to downright revolutionary!

#7: British roots, American upgrades

Paul Maritz en:User:Paulmaz, edited by Fir0002, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons
Paul Maritz en:User:Paulmaz, edited by Fir0002, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons

While the AV-8B Harrier II is best known as a workhorse of the US Marine Corps, its origins are British. It builds on the UK’s Harrier GR.1, but American engineers took it further with major innovations, including advanced radar systems and improved weapons precision.

#6: Built for close air support

Colin Cooke Photo, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Colin Cooke Photo, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Harrier II was purpose-built for close air support missions. Its ability to operate from small, improvised spaces near the front lines allows it to provide fast, decisive support to ground troops exactly when it’s needed most.

#5: Minimal runway? No problem.

Andrei Shmatko, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Andrei Shmatko, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Thanks to its Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing (V/STOL) capability, the AV-8B can operate from aircraft carriers, helicopter decks, or even rough, makeshift landing zones. It’s perfect for high-intensity combat where traditional runways aren’t available.

#4: A jet engine like no other

Aldo Bidini (GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html> or GFDL 1.2 http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html), via Wikimedia Commons
Aldo Bidini (GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html> or GFDL 1.2 http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html), via Wikimedia Commons

The Harrier’s vertical magic comes from its Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine with vectoring nozzles. This groundbreaking design lets the aircraft hover in place and transition smoothly to forward flight at high speeds.

#3: Refueling in the sky

Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Airwolfhound from Hertfordshire, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The AV-8B Harrier II can be refueled mid-air, dramatically extending its operational range. This aerial refueling capability allows it to stay on mission longer and adapt to rapidly changing battlefield conditions.

#2: Serious firepower

Causa83 at Italian Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Causa83 at Italian Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Harrier II isn’t just versatile—it’s deadly. It carries an impressive arsenal, including AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, laser-guided bombs, and a powerful 25mm GAU-12 Equalizer cannon for close combat.

#1: The ultimate multi-role jet

United States Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
United States Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

What truly sets the AV-8B Harrier II apart is its unrivaled versatility. From air defense and reconnaissance to ground attacks and troop support, this aircraft can do it all—without needing a conventional runway. It’s no wonder the Harrier II has become a strategic game-changer in modern warfare.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.

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