BAe AV-8B Harrier II

USMC VMA-231 Ace of Spades, CG03, USS Bataan, Red Sea

Operation Inherent Resolve 2017

Hobby Master 1:72  HA2633

In 2017, Marine Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231), known as the "Ace of Spades," deployed aboard the USS Bataan in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Flying the AV-8B Harrier II, the squadron conducted close air support and precision strike missions against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria. The Harrier's ability to operate from amphibious assault ships allowed VMA-231 to deliver rapid, flexible airpower in support of coalition forces on the ground. The deployment demonstrated the squadron's enduring combat effectiveness and the unique capabilities of the Harrier in austere environments, reinforcing Marine Corps aviation's role in the fight against global terrorism.

BAe AV-8B Harrier II Plus

Designed to meet a NATO specification for a light tactical support fighter that was also capable of Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL), the Harrier first flew in 1960. This unique aircraft has the distinction of being the only successful V/STOL design out of the many that were put forth during the 1960s. There are four different versions of the Harrier, which uses thrust vectoring to achieve V/STOL: the first generation Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the Naval strike/air defense BAE Sea Harrier, the US AV-8B Harrier II variant and the British BAE Harrier II. The Harrier was produced between 1969 and 2003.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.