AV-8A Harrier Trucker Cap

Sale price$19.99 USD Regular price$24.99 USD
Save $5.00 USD
Color: Red
The Hawker Siddeley AV-8A Harrier was the United States Marine Corps’ first operational vertical/short take-off and landing jet aircraft. Based closely on the British Harrier GR.1 but modified for Marine Corps requirements, the British-built AV-8A allowed fixed-wing attack aircraft to operate from amphibious assault ships, short runways and dispersed forward sites. The Marine Corps accepted its first aircraft on Jan 6ᵗʰ, 1971, and VMA-513 became the first operational USMC Harrier squadron later that year.

Powered by a Rolls-Royce Pegasus vectored-thrust turbofan, the AV-8A used four swivelling exhaust nozzles to conduct vertical landings and short or vertical take-offs. It was designed primarily for close air support and tactical attack, carrying cannon pods, bombs, rockets and, following modification, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. In normal operations, short rolling take-offs were preferred because vertical take-offs sharply restricted fuel and weapons load.

The AV-8A introduced the Marine Corps to fixed-wing operations from amphibious ships and austere forward bases, helping establish tactics and operating methods later used by the AV-8B Harrier II. Its capabilities came with limitations, including restricted payload and range during vertical operations, demanding maintenance requirements and vulnerability to foreign object ingestion near the ground.

The Marine Corps acquired 102 single-seat AV-8As and eight two-seat TAV-8A trainers. Beginning in 1979, 47 surviving AV-8As were converted to AV-8C standard with improved avionics, radar-warning equipment, countermeasures, structural upgrades and lift-improvement devices. The first-generation Harriers were progressively replaced by the AV-8B during the mid-1980s, with the remaining AV-8A and AV-8C aircraft withdrawn by 1987.
Flex fit , embroidered lettering and good shipping time. That's all you need from a hat and I Love Hangar delivered!

Frank D

Great quality, very comfortable. Looks amazing

Rick M

A really well made hat that fits nicely!

Scotty S

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)