AV-8B Harrier II Units of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (Combat Aircraft, 90) - Softcover

Nordeen, Lon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1849084440 ISBN 13: 9781849084444

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2011

Synopsis

In the 1970s the USMC bought the AV-8A Harrier from the UK to test V/STOL concepts for close air support. A successful funding battle was subsequently fought in the 1980s to secure military, political and economic support to expand this concept to develop and field the second generation AV-8B Harrier II from the late 1980s onward. The AV-8B was, and still is, the only tactical aircraft that could deploy with Marine forces on amphibious assault ships and provide air cover and close air support separate from large deck aircraft carriers. When Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, a coalition of nations launched Operation Desert Shield in order to defend Saudi Arabia. The Harrier II was among the first tactical air assets to be deployed to the region to support ground forces in their efforts to halt the advance of Iraqi forces at the border with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. During Operation Desert Storm, the five units flying the AV-8B in-theatre became some of the top tactical squadrons of choice by air mission planners for allied battlefield preparation and close air support. This was due to the AV-8B's capabilities, proximity to the battle zone and the proven abilities of Marine pilots and forward air controllers, who were closely integrated with ground forces and knew their business so well. The untold story of the AV-8B in this conflict is vividly brought to life by the author through firsthand accounts and period photography sourced from those that were there, as well as official archives. This is planned to be the first of three volumes on USMC Harrier IIs in combat, with follow-on titles covering the jet's operations in Iraq in 2003-08 and Afghanistan in 2001-2009.

About this title

About the Author

Lon Nordeen has more than 35 years of aerospace industry and editorial experience. He has been employed on the staff of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics, McDonnell-Douglas and Boeing, where he worked in the areas of market research, communications and field marketing. He is also the author of six books and more than 150 articles, and has been highlighted as a historian on multiple History Channel television programmes covering air warfare such as the Dogfight series.

Review

“With an excellent cover illustration by artist Gareth Hector and great color profiles by Jim Laurier, Nordeen's account has an attractive graphics package. These books from this highly prolific British publisher continue to impress and offer great value.” ―Peter Mersky, The Hook (Spring 2012)

“There are plenty of combat reports from the pilots who took part in the campaign. This is enhanced by an excellent choice of photos, most in full color, and the usual center section full of full color profiles. It is a fascinating look into Harrier operations during Desert Shield/Storm and a book that I know you will enjoy reading.” ―Scott Van Aken, Modelling Madness

About this edition

• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1849084440
• ISBN 13: 9781849084444
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96
• Illustrator: Laurier Jim