Editing AV-8 Harrier (section)

==IRL==
[[File:Harrier IRL.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Fwoosh! Boom! BRRRTT]]
The Harrier is something unique as a VTOL aircraft designed as a ground support aircraft, rather than the typical multirole design favored at the time. While it can't break the sound barrier, this hasn't stopped it from making a long and successful air to air combat record like the Falklands War where French [[Mirage 5]]s were downed thanks to superior British piloting. In fact, its comparative lack of speed makes it an ideal platform for weapons which benefit from a longer time over target such as the Marines' GAU-12. 

Most are equipped with a pair of Sidewinder missiles for such situations when the Harrier is engaged, or for targets of opportunity such as helicopters and inferior enemy attack aircraft (VERY inferior. Most planners would expect the outdated, MIG-21 to go toe-to-toe against the Harrier due to differences in armament).  The versions flying in 1985 had no radar to reduce weight and so could not be expected to take on advanced fighters; although improved versions of the 90's had advanced avionics, the US version receiving the same radar as the F/A-18.  

Regardless of its limitations, the design was so successful that the USSR copied as much as they humanly could from visuals and public information but ended up choosing different engine configurations for an overtly dismal performing aircraft. The Harrier has been widely exported with continued service, from Spain to Thailand. 

The Harrier was supposed to be retired at least a decade ago by the F-35B. However due to right out incompetence of the DOD's current procurement practices. To repair the current fleet. The USMC has to scavenge from older planes and pieces of mothballed aircraft. So the old Harrier will be kept in service well into the 2020s and [[derp|maybe even longer]].

{{US Forces in Team Yankee}}
{{British Forces in Team Yankee}}
{{Iraqi Forces in Team Yankee}}

[[Category:Vehicles]]