The story
The AV-8B Harrier II points its engine nozzles down and simply stops in mid-air, flying vertical landings onto amphibious ships and short strips no other fast jet could use. It served the US Marine Corps for four decades until June 2026, when the F-35B finally took over the job the Harrier invented. Spain and Italy still fly theirs from carriers.
In a hover the Harrier balances on four columns of engine thrust, steered by small puffer jets in the nose, tail and wingtips.
Quick answers
How do you identify a AV-8B Harrier II?
A small jet with a huge intake on each side of the cockpit and four nozzle outlets along the fuselage. Since mid-2026, a flying AV-8B means the Spanish or Italian Navy.
What does a AV-8B Harrier II sound like?
A dense, flat roar unlike any other jet — in the hover the Pegasus engine shakes the ground beneath it.
How fast is the AV-8B Harrier II?
Top speed is 585 kts.
How many people does the AV-8B Harrier II carry?
Typical configuration: Single-seat attack; TAV-8B two-seat trainer.
How far can the AV-8B Harrier II fly?
Range is about 1,200 nmi.
How big is the AV-8B Harrier II?
It is 46 ft 4 in long and 30 ft 4 in across the wings.
When did the AV-8B Harrier II first fly?
Its first flight was in 1981.
How many AV-8B Harrier IIs have been built?
337+ built.
How rare is a AV-8B Harrier II in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first AV-8B Harrier II catch is worth 250 points.
