AV-8B Harrier

— -- The versatile, British-designed Harrier attack jet can take off and land vertically, much like a helicopter. The $24 million aircraft has a top speed approaching Mach 1 and carries both air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including the missile. Harriers fought dramatically and effectively in the British conflict with Argentina over the Falkland Islands.

Primary function: Attack and destroy surface targets under day and night visual conditions.

Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas

Propulsion: One Rolls Royce F402-RR-406 or F402-RR-408 turbofan engine

Thrust: F402-RR-406: 21,500 pounds

F402-44-208: 23,400 pounds

Length: 46.3 feet (14.11 meters)

Wing span: 30.3 feet (9.24 meters)

Cruise speed: Subsonic to transonic

Popular Reads

Iran live updates: Rubio says US expects response from Iran on potential deal Friday

• May 8, 7:40 PM

Hantavirus live updates: Spanish authorities preparing for M/V Hondius arrival

• 15 minutes ago

Trump says US will guide ships out of Strait of Hormuz

• May 3, 9:04 PM

Ferry range: 2100 nautical miles (2416.64 miles)

Combat radius: close air support: 163 nautical miles (187.45 miles) with 30 minutes time on station interdiction: 454 nautical miles (522.45 miles)

Armament: Seven external store stations, comprising six wing stations for AIM-9 Sidewinder and an assortment of air-to-ground weapons, external fuel tanks and AGM-65 Maverick missiles; one centerline station for DECM pod or air-to-ground ordnance. A GAU-12 25MM six-barrel gun pod can be mounted on the centerline and has a 300 round capacity with a lead computing optical sight system (LCOSS) gunsight.

Crew: 1

Introduction date: 12 January 1985, AV-8BII (Plus) introduced in June 1993.

Data courtesy www.hqmc.usmc.mil