You couldn't get away from it... that roar... that blast of
unconfined thrust that occurs as the US Marine Corps Harrier 'Jump
Jet' spools up and takes a flight... in the most amazing ways. One
of the truly all-time favorites at Oshkosh, Aero TV got the chance
to speak with the pilot for this year's Harrier demonstration,
Major Dave Martin, call sign: Doc.
The Harrier arrive at the fabled land of Oshkosh on July 28th,
and stayed through the daily air show on Wednesday, July 30th,
before heading home. It performed its ever-popular flight
demonstrations during each of the EAA AirVenture air shows on July
28-30. (Note to anyone within about a 1/4-mile radius of show
center at future such demonstrations: bring earplugs... or not,
since the noise is part of the fun -- E-I-C).
The AV-8B Harrier II is designed for combat air support, as well
as combat air patrol, missions against ground defenses and armed
escort. The single-seat fighter is 46 feet long with a wingspan of
30 feet. It can reach transonic speeds and has radar systems
similar to those found in F/A-18 fighter jets.
The Marines first deployed the Harrier II in 1985, with the
upgraded AV-8BII Plus model introduced in 1993. The aircraft is the
latest descendant of the original British Harrier jump jet that
first appeared in the early 1960s. The AV-8B V/STOL strike aircraft
was designed to replace the AV-8A and the A-4M light attack
aircraft. The Marine Corps requirement for a V/STOL light attack
force has been well documented since the late 1950's. Combining
tactical mobility, responsiveness, reduced operating cost and
basing flexibility, both afloat and ashore, V/STOL aircraft are
particularly well-suited to the special combat and expeditionary
requirements of the Marine Corps. The AV-8BII+ features the APG-65
Radar common to the F/A-18, as well as all previous systems and
features common to the AV-8B Harrier II.
Operation Desert Storm in 1991 was highlighted by expeditionary
air operations performed by the AV-8B. The Harrier II was the first
Marine Corps tactical strike platform to arrive in theater, and
subsequently operated from various basing postures. Three
squadrons, totaling 60 aircraft, and one six-aircraft detachment
operated ashore from an expeditionary airfield, while one squadron
of 20 aircraft operated from amphibious shipping. During the ground
war, AV-8Bs were based as close as 35 nautical miles (40.22 miles)
from the Kuwait border, making them the most forward deployed
tactical strike aircraft in theater.
The AV-8B flew 3,380 sorties for a total of 4,083 flight hours
while maintaining a mission capable rate in excess of 90%. Average
turnaround time during the ground war surge rate flight operations
was 23 minutes. General Schwartzkoph, in his report to the
Secretary of Defense after the war, cited seven weapon systems that
significantly contributed to the quick success of Operation Desert
Storm; only three of which were aircraft, the F-117, the AH-64, and
the AV-8B Harrier.
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