The Harrier Jump Jet is a British designed military jet aircraft capable of Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing via thrust vectoring. Combining tactical mobility, responsiveness, reduced operating cost and basing flexibility, both afloat and ashore, the aircraft is particularly well-suited to the special combat and expeditionary requirements of the Marine Corps. The mission of the USMC Harrier squadron is to attack and destroy surface and air targets, to escort helicopters, and to conduct other such air operations as necessary. The aircraft is frequently used for conducting close air support using conventional and specific weapons, and conducting deep air support, to include armed reconnaissance and air interdiction using conventional and specific weapons. The USMC Harrier is able to operate and deliver ordnance at night and can operate under instrument flight conditions. The Harrier is often used to conduct offensive and defensive anti-air warfare including combat air patrol, armed escort missions, and offensive missions against enemy ground-to-air defenses.  The aircraft is also capable of deploying for extended operations, employing aerial refueling, and deploying to and operating from carriers and other suitable seagoing platforms, advanced bases, expeditionary airfields, and remote tactical landing sites. There are four main versions of the Harrier family: Hawker Siddeley Harrier, British Aerospace Sea Harrier, Boeing/BAE Systems AV-8B Harrier II, and BAE Systems/Boeing Harrier II. The Hawker Siddeley Harrier is the first generation version and is also known as the AV-8A Harrier. The Sea Harrier is a Maritime strike/air defence fighter. The AV-8B is the second generation Harrier and the BAE Harrier II is the British variant. Don't miss your chance to see the USMC Harrier!  Come to the 2010 Duluth Airshow! Read about other performers: · MiG-17 · CC Gerner · Bryan Jensen