1/72 AV-8B Harrier (Hasegawa 1:72 Aircraft Series D19)
The Harrier, which appeared in early 1960 as the world's first practical V/STOL attack aircraft, caught the attention of the US Marine Corps as a landing support fighter and was adopted under the name AV-8A.
However, operational problems due to insufficient payload and range were not easily resolved, and an improved version of the AV-8A was long sought.
The AV-8B, which appeared under such circumstances, was significantly improved in performance to meet the tactical requirements of the US Marine Corps.
The main wings were enlarged, the cross section became a supercritical wing shape, and a LERX (leading edge extension) was installed at the base of the main wings to improve aerodynamics.
In addition, the weight was kept to a minimum by extensive use of composite materials,
and the auxiliary wheels under the wing were moved from the wing tips to the center of the main wing, and two underwing hardpoints were added.
Meanwhile, the avionics were also significantly modernized, and the nose was equipped with the ARBS (Angular Velocity Bombing System) used on the A-4M Skyhawk, which dramatically improved the accuracy of weapon dropping. In addition, a multi-purpose display and the HOTAS system (which allows you to operate various systems without taking your hands off the control stick or throttle) were adopted, and the canopy was enlarged, providing a wide field of view and improving maneuverability.
In addition, the air intake was improved and a zero-scarf nozzle was adopted for the front exhaust nozzle to improve thrust efficiency, and when in VTOL mode, the newly installed retractable forward fence and the enlarged removable strakes from the previous model allowed for effective use of ground-reflected jet lift (LIDS...Lift Improvement Devices).
The airborne refueling device is also equipped with a retractable refueling probe.
The first deployment to combat units was made to VMA-331 in 1985.
《Data AV-8B HARRIER II》
Crew: 1
Width: 9.25m
Length: 14.12m
Height: 3.56m
Engine: Pegasus R.R. F-402-RR-408×1 (thrust 10,795kg×1)
Maximum takeoff weight: 14,515kg (STOL)
Maximum speed: 1,080km/h
First flight: September 6, 1978 (original model)