The last of 74 U.S. Marine Corps day attack AV-8B Harriers was inducted at Naval Aviation Depot Cherry Point on Dec. 11 to begin its transformation into the latest night attack/radar-equipped Harrier II Plus configuration. The aircraft is expected to return to fleet service in September 2003.

The AV-8B Remanufacture Program started in June 1994 and brings day attack aircraft up to the more capable night attack/radar configuration. The remanufacture program starts with the induction of day attack aircraft to the Cherry Point facility. During the depot induction/processing, various components are evaluated for ready-for-use condition, ready-for-issue status, or are modified to the latest configuration.

The depot team, lead by Wayne Bach, compiles the 287 components into 23 different kits and transfers those kits both to Boeing and to British Aerospace (BAe). The remanufacture program avoids premature retirement of day attack assets providing the fleet with additional war fighting capabilities, while improving safety and survivability on the modern battlefield. To accomplish this and address structural fatigue problems, electrical distribution problems, and other concerns with the older fuselage, Boeing is manufacturing a new fuselage with subcontract assistance from BAe. The remanufacture effort has been estimated to represent a cost savings of 25 percent (in FY98 dollars) versus the cost of a completely new aircraft, without reduction in life cycle.

In addition to incorporation of a new fuselage, a more powerful Rolls-Royce engine, and the 287 reused/modified components from the day attack aircraft, the program also utilizes reconditioned APG-65 multi-mode radar components that are excessed from the F/A-18 radar up-grade program. Other new features include a night vision goggle compatible cockpit, Mil-Std-1760 wiring, NAVFLIR incorporation, a digital moving map, and upward firing expendables. Provisions have been made for a self-protection jammer, as well as extended war-fighting capability using Litening II Targeting Pods and Joint Direct Attack Munitions. Future growth capability is ensured with the Open Systems Core Avionics Requirements program.

Remanufactured Harriers were used in the Balkan campaign and are currently flying combat missions in Afghanistan.

(Call Renee Hatcher at 301-757-5138 for more information on this news release.)

PHOTO CUTLINE

Last induction: The last of 74 U.S. Marine Corps day attack AV-8B Harriers is inducted at Naval Aviation Depot Cherry Point on Dec. 11 to begin its transformation into the latest night attack/radar-equipped Harrier II Plus configuration.