AV-8B Harrier II   Global Aircraft -- AV-8B Harrier II Webmaster's Notes    The Boeing Company, British Aerospace and Rolls-Royce teamed to produce the AV-8B, as an upgrade to the AV-8A. The first production AV-8B aircraft was delivered in November 1983. Deliveries of night-attack Harrier IIs began in September 1989. The U.S. Marine Corps received its first Harrier II Plus aircraft in July 1993, and its first remanufactured Harrier II Plus in January 1996. During the 42 days of combat, 86 Harrier IIs flew 3,380 combat sorties, 4,112 combat hours, and delivered more than six million pounds of ordnance. Throughout Desert Storm, Harrier II squadrons achieved an aircraft readiness rate greater than 90 percent. Harriers are on constant deployment with Marine Expeditionary Units throughout the world. AV-8B Specifications Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas Wingspan 30.3 feet Length 46.3 feet Height 11' 7" Empty weight 14,867 lb Maximum take-off weight 31,000 lb Maximum payload 13,086 lb Maximum speed at sea level 0.90 Mach Maximum speed at altitude 1.0 Mach Engine one Rolls-Royce F402-RR-408 Pegasus (23,800 lb) Radar Raytheon APG-65 Pulse Doppler Radar Missiles Raytheon, AIM-120A AMRAAM, Sparrow, Sea Eagle, Harpoon