Home / War and Conflict / US Marines Say Goodbye to Iconic Harrier Jet
US Marines Say Goodbye to Iconic Harrier Jet
4 Jun
Summary
- The AV-8B Harrier II marked the end of its 55-year service with the Marines.
- Its V/STOL capability allowed operations from ships and primitive sites.
- The jet was famously featured as a prize in a 1990s Pepsi promotion.
The United States Marine Corps bid farewell to the AV-8B Harrier II, a vertical takeoff and landing jet that has been a staple of Marine aviation for 55 years. A sundown ceremony was held at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, marking the end of its operational service. The Harrier's renowned Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing (V/STOL) capability allowed it to operate from amphibious assault ships and austere locations without runways, keeping it close to combat.
Initially developed by Britain in the 1960s, the Harrier joined the Marines in 1971, with an upgraded AV-8B version entering service in 1985. The jet has seen action in numerous conflicts, including Desert Storm, the war in Afghanistan, and the fight against ISIS. The AV-8B Harrier II is being replaced by the F-35B variant of the stealth fighter jet, which is already operating from amphibious assault ships.
Beyond its combat legacy, the Harrier gained pop culture notoriety in the 1990s when Pepsi featured it as a prize in a controversial promotion. A federal court ultimately ruled against a man who attempted to claim the jet for a fraction of its cost through a points-based system, deeming the offer a lighthearted advertisement.
While US operations have concluded, the Harrier II continues to serve with the Italian and Spanish militaries. Remaining aircraft are expected to be flown to museums for public display.
