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The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft. A successor to the Harrier Jump Jet, it was designed in the late 1970s at McDonnell Douglas for vertical or short takeoff and landing. Primarily for light attack or multi-role missions, it is deployed by the United States Marine Corps, the Spanish Navy, and the Italian Navy. Development of the AV-8B started in the early 1970s. It made its maiden flight in 1981 and entered service with the US Marines in 1985. The UK rejoined the Harrier project as a partner in 1981; since corporate mergers in the 1990s, Boeing and BAE Systems have jointly supported the program. Approximately 340 aircraft, all powered by the Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine, were produced over 22 years. Typically operated from small aircraft carriers, large amphibious assault ships or forward operating bases, AV-8Bs have participated in numerous military and humanitarian operations. They have proved themselves versatile assets, although their accident rate during takeoffs and landings has been relatively high. (Full article...)
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