McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II

Developed by McDonnell Douglas, British Aerospace, and Boeing/BAE systems, the AV-8 Harrier II is the result of a co-operation between the US and UK and is a notable Cold War defense achievement. It's a second generation V/STOL, (Vertical/Short Take-off and Landing) the first being the Hawker P.1127. Because of it's V/STOL capability, it does not need a long airstrip and thus can land in much more areas than other planes. A very useful advantage, given the toal area of large flat land on Earth. Problem is, the Harrier II can't vertical take-off with full load, of course it is due to the lack of engine power, but landing isn't much of a problem. It's main operators are the USMC, Spanish Navy, and Italian Navy.

An AV-8B+ Harrier II Plus on USS Nassau, an assault ship.