Iconic VTOL Jump Jet On Long-Term Loan From USMC

The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona is happy to announce it will be receiving a new addition to its aircraft collection: an iconic AV-8B Harrier jump jet, scheduled to arrive June 10 if logistics and weather cooperate.

The Harrier, well-known as the first revolutionary S/VTOL (short/vertical takeoff and landing) combat aircraft, is to be displayed on long-term loan from the U.S. Marine Corps, who operated the aircraft since its introduction in 1981. It is the aircraft that is often described as the aircraft that brought the term VTOL into the common parlance.

Its capability to launch from very short runways and small ships made it an essential part of Marine Corps aviation.

The Harrier will come with a spare Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine, which will be added to the museum’s extensive engine display. The iconic engine’s movable nozzles are used to create the vectored thrust necessary to make the aircraft’s vertical lift and maneuverability noteworthy. It was originally designed by Bristol Siddeley before being manufactured by Rolls-Royce, and for its service with the Marine Corps it was designated the F402.

Ed McGuire, CAF Airbase Arizona Museum Director, was excited to share his enthusiasm for the new addition. He said, “This is a tremendous opportunity to share a piece of aviation history that captured the imagination of pilots and the public alike. The Harrier represents a significant chapter in military aviation, and we’re honored to display it here.”

FMI:  www.azcaf.org/