Always a crowd favorite with its vertical takeoff ability, the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II jump jet returns to EAA AirVenture 2011, which takes place July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The Harrier is scheduled fly its popular demonstrations during the afternoon air shows and also figures to play a prominent role in the week-long celebration surrounding the Centennial of Naval Aviation, which includes U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard operations.
The AV-8B Harrier II, which last appeared at AirVenture in 2008, is designed for combat air support, as well as combat air patrol, missions against ground defenses, and armed escort. The single-seat fighter is 46 feet long with a wingspan of slightly more than 30 feet. It can reach transonic speeds and has radar systems similar to those found in F/A-18 fighter jets.
The Marines first deployed the Harrier II in 1985, with the upgraded AV-8BII Plus model introduced in 1993. The aircraft is the latest descendant of the original British Harrier jump jet that first appeared in the early 1960s.
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FUTURE AIRVENTURE
DATES: 2014: July 28-Aug. 3;
2015: July 27-Aug. 2
