The TAV-8B Harrier II is the dedicated two-seat trainer variant of the AV-8B Harrier II, a vertical/short take-off and landing (V/STOL) attack aircraft renowned for its “Jump Jet” capability. The Harrier II program, developed primarily by McDonnell Douglas, built upon the legacy of the original Hawker Siddeley Harrier. The TAV-8B provides training capability for pilots transitioning to the V/STOL operational aircraft.
McDonnell Douglas, the manufacturer, began production of the AV-8B Harrier II in 1981, with the airframe entering service in January 1985. Production ran until 2003, yielding 337 airframes (excluding the YAV-8B prototype). The company, a major U.S. aerospace defense contractor, played a foundational role in producing this iconic aircraft before being acquired by Boeing in 1997.
To support maintenance on this airframe, various access solutions are necessary. For the Wing & Engine Pylon section, platforms such as the Reach Deck Platform and Super Maintenance Platform provide efficient access for detailed work on the Engine (Inlet/Exhaust), Fan, and Turbine areas. The Branach Fibreglass Platform is ideal for the Tail Section (Empennage), specifically for maintenance access to the Vertical Stabiliser and Horizontal Stabiliser. Sturdy Modular Stepover Platforms and Bridge Decks facilitate movement over obstacles and offer effective access to the Middle Fuselage / Wing Box Area for oil maintenance or Fuel Tanks access, and General Access points. For the Nose Section, particularly the Radome and Windshield & Cockpit, solutions like the Cantilever Platform ensure personnel can perform thorough inspections and maintenance.
