Italeri Plastic Model Kit

AV-8B Harrier II (1/72)

This 1/72 scale AV-8B Harrier II from Italeri recreates the famous V/STOL multirole attack aircraft developed through British and American cooperation. Designed to operate from aircraft carriers without catapults, amphibious assault ships, and improvised forward airstrips, the Harrier II offers a unique blend of flexibility and striking power.

The kit builds to a finished length of approximately 19cm and features new box artwork along with an updated decal sheet providing markings for both U.S. Marine Corps and Spanish Army aircraft. Compact in scale but rich in character, it’s a great subject for modern jet collections or carrier-based displays.

• 1/72 scale plastic model kit
• AV-8B Harrier II multirole attack aircraft
• Finished model length approx. 19cm
• New box artwork
• New decal edition
• Markings for U.S. Marines and Spanish Army
• V/STOL configuration for carrier and forward-base operations

History

The AV-8B Harrier II represents a major evolution of the original Harrier concept, combining short takeoff and vertical landing capability with improved payload, avionics, and survivability. Developed specifically to support expeditionary forces, it was designed to operate close to the front line where conventional runways might not be available.

Widely used by the United States Marine Corps, the AV-8B proved itself in numerous operational deployments, providing close air support and strike capability from both ships and forward bases. Its ability to carry air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, and air-to-surface weapons made it a highly adaptable platform across a wide range of missions.

For modellers, the Harrier II stands out as one of the most distinctive modern combat aircraft, defined by its rotating exhaust nozzles and compact, purposeful shape. This kit captures that character well, offering a classic V/STOL jet in an accessible scale.