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USMC AV-8B Harrier II Plus - VMA-311 "Tomcat" & VMM-162 "Golden Eagles"

By: Dragon Models

Type: Scale Model

Product Line: Dragon Models - Warbirds Series (1/144)

Last Stocked on 12/16/2016

Product Info

Title
USMC AV-8B Harrier II Plus - VMA-311 "Tomcat" & VMM-162 "Golden Eagles"
Publisher
Publish Year
2016
NKG Part #
2147638269
MFG. Part #
DRA4622
Type
Scale Model
Age Range
14 Years and Up

Description

The USMC is the largest user to operate the AV-8B Harrier II which is a vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) ground attack aircraft well able to operate from amphibious assault ships. A total of 824 Harriers were built between 1969 and 2003, with the production line closing in December 2003 after the final Harrier II Plus-configuration aircraft was completed. The Harrier II Plus is similar to a Night Attack variant, but it also features an APG-65 radar system. This version is used by the USMC, Spanish Navy and Italian Navy. Dragon has produced a 1/144 scale plastic kit of this innovative jump jet. The box contains two complete aircraft of the AV-8B Harrier II Plus variety.

The two model aircraft differ in their markings. One is depicted in the regalia of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced) (VMM-162). This “Golden Eagles” unit from North Carolina was fully involved in the 2003 invasion of Iraq in support of I MEF. Interestingly, this squadron was stood down in December 2005 in order to begin transitioning to the MV-22 Osprey. The squadron now fully operates tiltrotor aircraft, the second operational squadron to do so, although it is reinforced with Harriers when it deploys. The second aircraft comes in the markings of Marine Attack Squadron 311 “Tomcats” (VMA-311). It is part of the 3rd Marine Air Wing (3rd MAW), and its Harriers were the first of their type to fly combat missions in Afghanistan in 2001. It also supported Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 by flying 550 sorties. The individual plane markings are produced accurately on slide decals produced by Cartograf. There is additional differentiation between the two models – the VMM-311 aircraft carries an extra fuel tank, while the VMM-162 (Rein) example has a AN/AAQ-14 Targeting Pod under its right wing. The models are beautifully rendered, and when their unit markings are added, they make a stunning pair.

Models are supplied unpainted and some assembly is required.