Airplane Model*Hobby Master HA2630 AV-8B Harrier II Plus – Miniature Marvels: Airplane Models & Painted Dice

Hobby Master HA2630 AV-8B Harrier II Plus BuNo 165581, VMA-311, USMC, Afghanistan 2013

The first USMC Harrier II was the AV-8B, a daytime strike fighter. In 1984 development of the AV- 8B(NA) Night Attack Harriet II began with the addition of a NAVFLIR (Navigation Forward- Looking Infrared) camera in the nose along with night vision goggles. New MFDs (Multi Function Displays) were added as well as an improved HUD, color CRT display and complete heads-down capability. This version of the Harrier also received additional counter-measure dispensers and Rolls-Royce Pegasus 11-61 (F402-RR-408) vectored-thrust turbofan engine.

Constructed as AV-8B-10 163176 it completed its maiden flight on October 6, 1987. On October 29, 1987 the aircraft was assigned to VMA-513 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. Over the next 13 years this aircraft change units several times before transferring to VMA-311 MCAS Yuma, Arizona in February 2000 where in June 2000 it was Struck Off Charge (SOC) and rebuilt. The rebuild meant a new Bu. No 165581. In 2013 165581 went back to VMA-311 and deployed to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan where it sustained $3.9 million in damages during a landing accident.