Arizona Museum Becomes New Home for Retired Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier

Light attack jet, which initially went into service in 1986, has logged 1,539 combat flight hours.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, February 17, 2025 at 03:11 PM ET

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AV-8B Harrier [Credit: Naval Air Systems Command]

Key Takeaways:

The Pima Air & Space Museum has inducted a retired U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II+ jet into its collection.
The acquired Harrier (BuNo 165574) boasts a distinguished service record, accumulating 1,539 combat and nearly 10,000 total flight hours since 1986.
This addition aims to preserve a vital chapter in aviation history and inspire future generations to consider careers in aviation and military service.
The Pima Air & Space Museum is recognized as the largest nongovernment-funded aviation museum in the U.S., housing over 400 aircraft.

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The Pima Air & Space Museum is the new home of a retired and demilitarized U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II+. The light attack jet was inducted into the Tucson, Arizona, museum Friday, Naval Air Systems Command announced.

The Harrier BuNo 165574, a vertical/short takeoff and landing fighter, first entered service in the Marine Corps in January 1986 and in July 2001 was remanufactured as an AV-8B II+ radar aircraft. The aircraft platform is able to operate from carriers and provides close and deep air support, including armed reconnaissance and air interdiction, and conducts offensive and defensive antiair warfare.