AV-8B Harrier II

* AFD
* AFD Storm
* AFD Strike

"*This is the second generation of the world's first V/STOL (vertical and/or Short Take-Off and Landing) attack fighter, the Harrier. The Harrier II fixed flaws in the original design such as insufficient weaponry and fuel-loading capabilities. Cutting-edge technology has been implemented to enable entirely new operational capabilities for a V/STOL aircraft.*"
―*Airforce Delta Storm* manual description, page 25.

"*This redesigned Harrier has a lot of improvements, but the avionics are what give it its edge in aerial combat. Well?*"
―Harry's description of this plane in the shop.
The **AV-8B Harrier II** is a recurring aircraft in the *Airforce Delta* series, appearing in all three *Airforce Delta* games, and is usable by Alex Levine in *Airforce Delta Strike*.

## Origin (Real-Life)

The AV-8B Harrier II is a member of the second generation of the famed Harrier Jump Jet series, developed in the 1970s and introduced in 1985. The aircraft was initially a joint-venture between McDonnell Douglas and British Aerospace to improve upon the original Harrier jump jet (Which makes an appearance in the *Airforce Delta* series as the British variant, the Sea Harrier), but the UK eventually pulled out. McDonnell Douglas would merely pick up the slack to further redesign the original Harrier. The results speak for themselves. The aircraft remains in service, though it will eventually face retirement.

## Design

The AV-8B is an interesting beast. The craft does not have majorly noticeable jet engines, with them being located on the underside of the craft (which are the craft's signature jump jets). The aircraft employs two large wings, and single vertical stabilizer accentuated by two rear wings. The cockpit is bulbous and large. A very interesting design.

## Performance

### *Airforce Delta*

One of two V/TOLs in this game, which are both tied to game completion. V/TOLs are very weird in the original game. They can have incredible mobility if you know what you're doing, but it's VERY difficult to pull off. This plane is also absurdly expensive, costing 6,000,000. Compared to the SeaHarrier, this thing has slightly better power, but somehow costs less than the inferior SeaHarrier for some reason... Yeah. Weird planes.

### *Airforce Delta Storm*

A V/TOL aircraft that can only be unlocked by finding a hidden airbase. It's... Very hard to recommend this craft. Most of its stats are crummy, and V/TOLs are somewhat weird to control. The fact that it's tied to a secret airbase alongside the F-14G Hellcat II is also salt in the wound. It IS superior to the SeaHarrier in the same hidden airbase, however. So... Yay?

### *Airforce Delta Strike*

One of several V/TOLs for Alex. This V/TOL is one that actually has machine guns, something which several other V/TOLs lack. Comparing this to the Sea Harrier, this aircraft has slightly improved defense, but slightly worse anti ground (owing to the Rocket Pods this has instead of ASMs). This aircraft, predictably, is also very slow, lacking afterburners. It's good to use as a rocket plane due to the rocket pods, but once you unlock the Yak-141 "Freestyle", this thing will hit the bench.

## Statistics

### *Airforce Delta Storm*

 **Range:** | 1

*(!) - Mobility stat is High in the PAL version.*

### *Airforce Delta Strike*

(Clockwise starting from top)

 **Speed:** | Very Low

## Enemy Appearances (Missions)

### *Airforce Delta*

* A lone AV-8B appears in The Silvan Fortress as an optional kill.

### *Airforce Delta Storm*

* Target AV-8Bs make a prominent appearance in Fear in the Forest and Ambush in the Jungle. They are the primary "gimmick" of those two levels and are, as mentioned, targets.

## Gallery

### *Airforce Delta*

Enemy AV-8B from The Silvan Fortress.The AV-8B enemy lacks an emblem.
### *Airforce Delta Storm*

Picture, plus stats.Stats in the PAL version. Note the higher mobility.AV-8B Harrier II wallpaper.AV-8B Harrier II in flight.AV-8B Harrier II in flight.AV-8B Harrier II in flight.AV-8B Harrier II in flight.AV-8B Harrier II collage.Enemy AV-8B from Fear in the Forest.Ditto, from Ambush in the Jungle.Ditto, plus emblem.Enemy AV-8B from Fear in the ForestClose in view of the same AV-8BHarriers ambushing the Allied planes.Three Harriers disembarking from shooting down Allied planes.Player AV-8BPlayer AV-8BPlayer AV-8BPlayer AV-8BPlayer AV-8B
### *Airforce Delta Strike*

AV-8B in Alex's color scheme.AV-8B with a generic color scheme.AV-8B with Ferrite coating.Aircraft statisticsAV-8B Harrier II cockpit in *AFD Strike*.The AV-8B's special weapons, Rocket Pods.
## Trivia

* The enemy AV-8B's color scheme from The Silvan Fortress is exactly the same as the player's.
* In the original *Airforce Delta* and *Airforce Delta Strike*, the AV-8B resembles the night attack variant of the aircraft.