MB 326
Argentinian Harriers
In 1960 the development of what was to become the Harrier family began with the Kestrel. Foreseen as a way of overcoming the inevitable loss of airfields in a clash with the USSR, a Maritime application was readily apparent. It attracted attention from several nations, the UK, the USA and West Germany initially. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the first-generation Harriers entered service with the Royal Air Force (1969) and US Marine Corps (USMC) but were handicapped in range and payload. A US built variant, designed more with the ground attack role in mind - the AV-8S was ordered via the USMC in July 1973. Delivered in December 1976. Used by 008 Escuadrilla for the fighter attack role. Five more delivered later. Total of ten acquired. Retired in 1996 and sold to the Thai Navy. In short takeoff and landing configuration, the AV-8A (American designation for the Harrier) carried less than half the 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) payload of, notably, the smal...
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