Difference between revisions of "AV-8B (NA)"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=av_8b_na
 
|code=av_8b_na
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage AV-8A 001.jpg}}
−
|store=13700
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
During the late '80s, the new AV-8B was starting to show its shortcomings as a "day attacker", and therefore a "night attacker" variant was proposed. This variant would have advanced navigation and targeting systems for nighttime strikes, relying on FLIR thermal imaging, day/night color maps, and various other improvements. One of the largest upgrades was the addition of the Hughes AN/ASB-19 FLIR targeting sight in the nose, similar to that found on the [[Harrier GR.7|British Harrier IIs]], allowing for highly accurate bombing, navigation, and guidance of precision ordnance in almost all weather conditions and times of day. This new variant was originally going to be designated the AV-8D, but to avoid complications, was redesignated to the AV-8B (NA), with NA standing for "Night Attack". All initial AV-8Bs were upgraded to either the AV-8B NA or the [[AV-8B Plus|AV-8B+]] standard, the latter of which was a further upgrade of the AV-8B which integrated more advanced avionics, a built-in radar, and AIM-120 capability.
 
  
−
Introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]], the AV-8B (NA) is a very strong aircraft at its BR, being directly better than the other Harrier at this BR, the [[Sea Harrier FRS.1]], in almost every way. What the AV-8B (NA) lacks in BVR capability, due to its lack of radar or long-range missiles, is made up for in the incredible flight performance, great IR missiles for its battle rating, and the VIFFing (Vector In Forward Flight) potential using the thrust vectoring nozzles, allowing the Harrier to catch enemies off guard and turn almost any low-speed dogfight in its favour. However, where the AV-8B Night Attacker truly shines is in the attacker role, as its name implies. The AV-8B NA has access to one of, if not the best, ground strike packages at its battle rating in ground battles, with the capability to use a plethora of guided ordnance such as the laser-guided Paveways and AGM-65E, the TV-guided AGM-65D and G, and the GPS-guided JDAMs, along with various other unguided weapons. The GAU-12 Equalizer 25 mm rotary cannon also has access to a very high fire rate and a very punchy set of ammunition belts, which when aided with the EEGS for air combat or the CCIP for ground attack, allow this aircraft to make short work of pretty much any tank or plane it faces at closer ranges. Coupled with the advanced avionics, an incredible targeting pod which can further enhance low-visibility targeting over the built-in FLIR camera, and its vast amount of countermeasures, the AV-8B NA is overall a very powerful, jack-of-all-trades aircraft for its battle rating.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 550
+
| 1,151 || 1,145 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.2 || 33.1 || 81.7 || 75.2 || rowspan="2" | 550
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 1,134 || 1,125 || 29.2 || 30.0 || 111.4 || 90.0
+
| 1,164 || 1,156 || 31.7 || 32.0 || 102.7 || 87.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 1,137 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 828 || 556 || ~14 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || -
+
| < 648 || < 950 || < 790 || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
−
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
+
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
−
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
+
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot, engine oil, and full water tank; but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus F402-RR-406 || 1
+
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce F402-RR-401 || 1
−
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 5,918 kg || colspan="3" | 439 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
−
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
+
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
+
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
+
| 1,687 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
−
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
+
| 6,605 kg || 7,292 kg || 7,978 kg || 8,253 kg || 12,679 kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
−
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
+
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
+
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
+
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || 9,071 kgf || 9,625 kgf
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.46 || 1.32 || 1.21 || 1.17 || 0.76
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 9,071 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 9,625 kgf<br>(0 km/h)
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.46 || 1.32 || 1.21 || 1.17 || 0.76
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
{{Notice|The F402-RR-401 engine loses a significant amount of thrust as your speed increases}}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
The AV-8B (NA) lacks any internal or external armour, and has little chance of survival when encountering a close hit or direct impact of SAM or AAMs. However, VTOL capabilities could help slightly, as it would be easier to land a wounded AV-8B compared to other jets not capable of vertical landing.
 
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
+
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
+
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
+
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 180 x countermeasures
+
* 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8
+
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
−
| rowspan="17" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_AV-8B_Plus_(Italy).png]]</div>
+
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Harrier_GR.3.png]]</div>
−
|-
 
−
! [[GAU-12/U (25 mm)|25 mm GAU-12/U]] cannons (300 rpg)
 
−
| || || || || 1 || || ||
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
 
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
−
| 1 || 3 || 3 || 2 || || 3 || 3 || 1
+
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
 
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
 
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
−
| 1 || 3 || 3 || 2 || || 3 || 3 || 1
+
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
 
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
 
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
−
| 1 || 3 || 3 || 2 || || 3 || 3 || 1
+
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
 
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
 
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
−
| 1 || 3 || 3 || 2 || || 3 || 3 || 1
+
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
 
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
 
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
−
| || 1 || 2 || || || 2 || 1 ||
+
| || 1 || || 1 ||
−
|-
 
−
! [[GBU-38(V)2/B JDAM (500 lb)|500 lb GBU-38(V)2/B JDAM]] bombs
 
−
| || 2 || 3 || || || 3 || 2 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II]] bombs
 
−
| || 2* || 3* || || || 3* || 2* ||
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[GBU-16 Paveway II (1,092 lb)|1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II]] bombs
 
−
| || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* ||
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
 
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
−
| 1 || 2 || 2 || || || 2 || 2 || 1
+
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
 
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
 
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
−
| || 38 || 57 || || || 57 || 38 ||
+
| 7, 19 || 7, 19 || || 7, 19 || 7, 19
 
|-
 
|-
 
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
 
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
−
| || 8 || 12 || || || 12 || 8 ||
+
| 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4
−
|-
 
−
! [[AGM-65E2]] missiles
 
−
| || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* ||
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[AGM-65G]] missiles
 
−
| || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
 
−
| 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! LITENING II targeting pod
+
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
−
| || || || 1* || || || ||
+
| 1 || || || || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="10" | * The LITENING II pod must be equipped when carrying laser-guided munitions
+
! Countermeasures
 +
| || || 240 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
  
−
* 1 x 25 mm GAU-12/U cannon (300 rpg)
+
* Without load
−
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
+
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
−
* 190 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
* 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
−
* 40 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
+
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
−
* 16 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,000 lb total)
+
* 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
−
* 16 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (4,000 lb total)
+
* 5 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,250 lb total)
−
* 16 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (8,000 lb total)
+
* 5 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (1,250 lb total)
−
* 16 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (8,000 lb total)
+
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
−
* 6 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (6,000 lb total)
+
* 5 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (2,500 lb total)
−
* 10 x 500 lb GBU-38(V)2/B JDAM bombs (5,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 10 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (2,770 kg total)
+
* 5 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
−
* 4 x 1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs (4,368 lb total)
+
* 240 x countermeasures
−
* 4 x AGM-65E2 missiles
 
−
* 10 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
 
−
* 4 x AGM-65G missiles
 
 
{{Navigation-End}}
 
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* VTOL capability
+
* Thrust vectoring capabilities
−
* Large number of payload options, including the AGM-65 Maverick, GBU guided bombs, and JDAMs
+
** Can be used during combat to temporarily boost turn rate
−
* All-weather combat capability and LITENING II targeting pod
+
** Can land and rearm on the helicopter bases in combined battles
−
* All-aspect AIM-9L missiles
 
−
* 180 countermeasures
 
−
* Hard-hitting gun, with SAPHEI, HVAP, and HEI rounds
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Subsonic, cannot exceed Mach 1 in level flight
+
* Heavy airframe loses significant speed in turns
−
* Lacks a radar or radar-guided missiles
+
* Limited WEP and lack of afterburner
−
* Mediocre flight capabilities
+
* Engine overheats very quickly above 90% throttle
−
* Extremely limited ammo count for the autocannon
+
* Using thrust vectoring in combat bleeds speed and leaves you vulnerable
 +
* Stiffens up in dives; this can be fatal during ground attack missions
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
As the first generation of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier, designated as the AV-8A and the Harrier GR.1, came into use, several drawbacks were revealed including limited combat radius, low payload delivery, lack of ECM (electronic countermeasure) systems, etc. While some problems could be addressed with the installment of improved avionics (resulting in the AV-8C and Harrier GR.3), issues in payload delivery required a redesigned fuselage and engine. Thus, Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas began to develop a more advanced version of the Harrier with a larger fuselage and the Pegasus engine, unofficially dubbed the "AV-16", due to the goals of producing a plane with twice the payload and range of the AV-8. In 1975, however, the RAF pulled out of the project due to budget constraints, and the USMC was unwilling to sponsor the project by itself, resulting in its cancellation in the same year. Since then, McDonnell Douglas began to design a new Harrier based on the existing AV-8A, reconfiguring two AV-8As with redesigned wings, intake, exhaust nozzles, and other aerodynamic changes, leading to the YAV-8B. Further tests with YAV-8B regarding payload delivery, range, and VTOL capabilities proved satisfactory, and the AV-8B was officially procured by the USMC as its new generation of VTOL strike aircraft.
+
The US military had been paying close attention to the development of British VTOL aircraft through the 1950s / 60s, taking part in the testing and evaluation of the Hawker Siddeley P.1127 / Kestrel FGA.1 (prototypes that would eventually develop into the Harrier) in the mid-1960s. At the 1968 Farnborough air show two United States Marine Corps (USMC) pilots, Col. Thomas H. Miller (eventually promoted to Lieutenant General) and Lt. Col. Bud Baker unexpectedly arrived at the Hawker Siddeley Aviation (HSA) chalet and announced they had been sent to test fly the new Harrier GR.1 aircraft. Within 2 weeks of the show both pilots had flown the Harrier and shortly after returned to the US with a very positive report of the aircraft.<ref name="HarrierCaseStudy">Fozard 1978</ref>
  
−
In 1985, McDonnell Douglas sought to enhance the all-weather capability of the AV-8B, fitting it with FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) sensors, Hughes AN/ASB-19 ARBS (Angle Rate Bombing System), F-402-RR-408 engine, and an improved HUD and MFD, offering night attack capabilities. Though initially called the AV-8D, this new variant came into service in 1987 designated the AV-8B (NA), or the Harrier Night Attack variant.
+
Within three months of the report a team of US test pilots were in the UK evaluating the Harrier and within a further five months the US had declared its intention to buy 110 Harriers by the mid 1970s. The US congress originally insisted that the Harriers should be built in the US, leading to HSA signing a 15 year agreement with McDonnell-Douglas, where McDonnell-Douglas would build the aircraft in the US and both parties would share data and designs of any aircraft related to the Harrier.<ref name="HarrierCaseStudy" /> However later, after realizing the cost increase that would come from shifting production to the US, it was instead decided all 110 aircraft would be built by HSA in the UK. The aircraft would be purchased as "off the shelf" products with only limited modifications made from the Harrier GR.1. The US Harriers would have the more powerful Pegasus Mk 103 engine, the ability to carry two Sidewinder missiles, and other minor changes such as US radio equipment.<ref name="HarrierCaseStudy" />
  
−
The AV-8B saw extensive combat during its long service history. It was first used in Operation Desert Storm where AV-8Bs based on the USS ''Nassau'' and USS ''Tarawa'' supported coalition forces in the Battle of Khafji, dropping guided munitions on Iraqi artillery and provided support for USMC and coalition forces. Later, during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, AV-8Bs were deployed at forward operation bases (FOBs) due to their STOL/VTOL capabilities and had a much faster response time compared to USAF and USN aircraft, which had to take off from airfields in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or carriers. AV-8Bs carrying LITENING targeting pods flew reconnaissance missions and dropped guided munitions on Al-Qaeda forces and the Iraqi military, flying over 5000 sorties and demolishing a large number of Taliban and Iraqi vehicles and personnel. AV-8Bs also took part in Operation Odyssey Dawn. When a USAF F-15E crashed in Libya due to mechanical failure, both pilots ejected successfully and were stranded deep in enemy territory. Two AV-8Bs dropped 250lb Paveway munition to deter Libyan ground forces from approaching the pilots, and one of the AV-8Bs dropped additional munitions on the wreckage of the F-15E to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. All AV-8B (NA) and AV-8B Plus continue to serve until 2025, by then replaced by newer F-35Bs.
+
The Harrier entered service with the USMC in 1971, under the designation AV-8A.<ref name="HarrierCaseStudy" />Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) was the first squadron to receive its Harriers with VMA-231 and VMA-542 following. Shortly after it entered service the US decided to replace the British Ferranti FE 541 Inertial Navigation and Attack System (INAS) system with an American system known as "baseline". The FE 541 was an advanced system, it was able to use inertial navigation to plot the Harrier's location on a moving map in the cockpit and had various weapons aiming modes to allow for accurate bombing. The US however did not like the FE 541 finding it too complicated and difficult to maintain. In addition the FE 541 required a calibration process to be carried out before use, which could not be completed onboard a ship, severely limiting it's usefulness to the USMC. The baseline system was far simpler than the FE 541 and did not provide navigation functionality; with the removal of the large moving map display the USMC took the opportunity to change the layout of the AV-8A's cockpit making it different to that in British Harriers.<ref name="HarrierCaseStudy" />
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=av_8ab_na Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* [[wt:en/news/9067-shop-development-pre-order-av-8b-night-attack-en|[Devblog] Pre-order: AV-8B Night Attack]]
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* [[wt:en/news/9067-shop-development-pre-order-av-8b-night-attack-en|Pre-order: AV-8B Night Attack]]
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* [http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/AV-8A_Harrier_SAC_-_November_1972.pdf Standard Aircraft Characteristics of the AV-8A]
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===References===
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* Fozard, J. (1978). The British Aerospace Harrier Case Study in Aircraft Design. American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics.
  
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{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
 
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{{USA premium aircraft}}
 
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Revision as of 08:30, 11 September 2024

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This page is about the American jet fighter AV-8B (NA). For other versions, see Harrier (Family).
AV-8B (NA)
av_8b_na.png
GarageImage AV-8B (NA).jpg
StoreImage AV-8A 001.jpg
AV-8B (NA)

Description

General info

Flight performance

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,151 1,145 32.2 33.1 81.7 75.2 550
Upgraded 1,164 1,156 31.7 32.0 102.7 87.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X ✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
N/A 828 556 ~14 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 648 < 950 < 790 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Rolls-Royce F402-RR-401 1 5,918 kg 439 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 10m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 34m fuel
1,687 kg Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan 6,605 kg 7,292 kg 7,978 kg 8,253 kg 12,679 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 10m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 34m fuel MTOW
Stationary 9,071 kgf 9,625 kgf 1.46 1.32 1.21 1.17 0.76
Optimal 9,071 kgf
(0 km/h) 		9,625 kgf
(0 km/h) 		1.46 1.32 1.21 1.17 0.76
Msg-info.png The F402-RR-401 engine loses a significant amount of thrust as your speed increases

Survivability and armour

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)

The AV-8B (NA) is armed with:

  • 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)

Suspended armament

The AV-8B (NA) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5
Hardpoints Harrier GR.3.png
250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs 1 1 1 1 1
250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs 1 1 1 1 1
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs 1 1 1 1 1
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs 1 1 1 1 1
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs 1 1
Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs 1 1 1 1 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 7, 19 7, 19 7, 19 7, 19
Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets 4 4 4 4
AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles 1 1
Countermeasures 240
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
  • 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
  • 5 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,250 lb total)
  • 5 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (1,250 lb total)
  • 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
  • 5 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (2,500 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 5 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
  • 240 x countermeasures

Usage in battles

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Thrust vectoring capabilities
    • Can be used during combat to temporarily boost turn rate
    • Can land and rearm on the helicopter bases in combined battles

Cons:

  • Heavy airframe loses significant speed in turns
  • Limited WEP and lack of afterburner
  • Engine overheats very quickly above 90% throttle
  • Using thrust vectoring in combat bleeds speed and leaves you vulnerable
  • Stiffens up in dives; this can be fatal during ground attack missions

History

The US military had been paying close attention to the development of British VTOL aircraft through the 1950s / 60s, taking part in the testing and evaluation of the Hawker Siddeley P.1127 / Kestrel FGA.1 (prototypes that would eventually develop into the Harrier) in the mid-1960s. At the 1968 Farnborough air show two United States Marine Corps (USMC) pilots, Col. Thomas H. Miller (eventually promoted to Lieutenant General) and Lt. Col. Bud Baker unexpectedly arrived at the Hawker Siddeley Aviation (HSA) chalet and announced they had been sent to test fly the new Harrier GR.1 aircraft. Within 2 weeks of the show both pilots had flown the Harrier and shortly after returned to the US with a very positive report of the aircraft.[1]

Within three months of the report a team of US test pilots were in the UK evaluating the Harrier and within a further five months the US had declared its intention to buy 110 Harriers by the mid 1970s. The US congress originally insisted that the Harriers should be built in the US, leading to HSA signing a 15 year agreement with McDonnell-Douglas, where McDonnell-Douglas would build the aircraft in the US and both parties would share data and designs of any aircraft related to the Harrier.[1] However later, after realizing the cost increase that would come from shifting production to the US, it was instead decided all 110 aircraft would be built by HSA in the UK. The aircraft would be purchased as "off the shelf" products with only limited modifications made from the Harrier GR.1. The US Harriers would have the more powerful Pegasus Mk 103 engine, the ability to carry two Sidewinder missiles, and other minor changes such as US radio equipment.[1]

The Harrier entered service with the USMC in 1971, under the designation AV-8A.[1]Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) was the first squadron to receive its Harriers with VMA-231 and VMA-542 following. Shortly after it entered service the US decided to replace the British Ferranti FE 541 Inertial Navigation and Attack System (INAS) system with an American system known as "baseline". The FE 541 was an advanced system, it was able to use inertial navigation to plot the Harrier's location on a moving map in the cockpit and had various weapons aiming modes to allow for accurate bombing. The US however did not like the FE 541 finding it too complicated and difficult to maintain. In addition the FE 541 required a calibration process to be carried out before use, which could not be completed onboard a ship, severely limiting it's usefulness to the USMC. The baseline system was far simpler than the FE 541 and did not provide navigation functionality; with the removal of the large moving map display the USMC took the opportunity to change the layout of the AV-8A's cockpit making it different to that in British Harriers.[1]

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

References

Citations
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Fozard 1978
Bibliography
  • Fozard, J. (1978). The British Aerospace Harrier Case Study in Aircraft Design. American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics.


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