Jump Jet Returns To AirVenture

The Marine Corps AV-8B "Harrier II" jump jet, the unique fighter aircraft that features vertical takeoff ability, will appear at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2004, making demonstration flights during the EAA's 52nd annual fly-in, scheduled for July 27-August 2 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The Harrier is scheduled to appear for several days during EAA AirVenture and fly its popular demonstrations during the afternoon air show Friday through Sunday, July 30-August 1.

The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II is designed for combat air support, as well as combat air patrol, missions against ground defenses and armed escort.  The one-seat fighter is 46 feet long with a wingspan of just over 30 feet.  It can reach speeds to just slightly below the sound barrier (transonic) 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.

FMI: www.eaa.org