
Spanish Navy AV-8B Harrier II Solo Display
Harrier Solo Display
The Spanish Navy AV-8B Harrier II Solo Display is a single-ship demonstration team of the Spanish Navy, renowned for its breathtaking showcase of the EAV-8B Matador II+, a specialized variant of the AV-8B Harrier II. Stationed at Rota Naval Base in southern Spain, the team hails from the 9th Squadron (9 Escuadrilla) and consists of two expert demo pilots who alternate performances at select airshows. These pilots expertly highlight the aircraft’s celebrated vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities, delivering a performance that blends precision, power, and technical prowess. Though the team’s appearances are limited to just one or two events per year—occasionally slightly more—their rarity only heightens the anticipation among aviation enthusiasts eager to witness this impressive display.
The team’s routine, lasting between 10 and 13 minutes, is a carefully crafted sequence that underscores the Harrier’s exceptional agility and versatility. It kicks off with a short takeoff, rapidly transitioning into a series of high-speed passes featuring rolls and sharp turns that captivate onlookers with the jet’s dynamic maneuverability. A slower pass along the crowdline follows, offering a closer look at the aircraft’s sleek lines and design. The highlight comes at show center, where the pilot executes a dramatic hover, demonstrating the Matador II+’s remarkable stability and control—a defining feature of its V/STOL heritage. The display concludes with a climb away and a short landing, reinforcing the aircraft’s operational flexibility and leaving a lasting impression of both pilot skill and engineering ingenuity.
About the EAV-8B Matador II+
The AV-8B Harrier II stands out as a single-engine ground-attack aircraft celebrated for its vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capability. Born from a collaborative effort between the United States and the United Kingdom in the early 1970s, this aircraft was crafted to overcome the limitations of the earlier Hawker Siddeley Harrier. Designed for light attack and multi-role missions like close air support and armed reconnaissance, the Harrier II brought a new level of flexibility to military aviation with its ability to operate from unconventional locations.
Enhancements over the original Harrier include a more robust engine, a larger composite wing equipped with extra hardpoints, and an elevated cockpit offering improved visibility. These upgrades translate to a greater payload capacity, sharper maneuverability, and advanced avionics. The V/STOL feature allows the Harrier II to take off and land on small aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and even forward operating bases, making it a versatile performer in diverse operational settings.
The Spanish EAV-8B Matador II+ represents a tailored evolution of the AV-8B, customized to meet specific requirements. This variant boasts a more powerful Rolls-Royce F402-RR-408 engine, a redesigned fuselage with additional wing fuel tanks, and carbon-fiber composite leading edge root extensions (LERX). Its standout feature is the AN/APG-65 pulse Doppler radar, delivering all-weather, multi-mode functionality for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions. With the ability to carry AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, the Matador II+ significantly boosts its air defense prowess, setting it apart as an advanced iteration of the Harrier family.
Specifications
Crew
1
Length
46 ft 4 in (14.12 m)
Wingspan
30 ft 4 in (9.25 m)
Height
11 ft 8 in (3.55 m)
Max Speed
585 kn (673 mph, 1,083 km/h)
Range
1,200 nmi (1,400 mi, 2,200 km)
Service Ceiling
50,000 ft (15,000 m)
g limits
+8 to -3
AV-8B Harrier II in the Spanish Navy
The Spanish Navy took a pioneering step as the first international operator of the AV-8B Harrier II, placing an order for 12 aircraft in 1983 to replace their aging AV-8S Matadors. On October 6, 1987, the first three EAV-8B Matador II jets arrived, earning the nickname "Cobras" among crews. Based at Rota Naval Base and operated by the 9th Aircraft Squadron, these aircraft quickly proved their worth in missions ranging from combat air patrols to armed reconnaissance and close air support.
In 1993, the Spanish Navy expanded its fleet with an order for eight AV-8B+ Harriers, designated EAV-8B+ Matador II+, which incorporated the advanced radar and other upgrades. Delivered in 1996 and 1997, these enhanced aircraft elevated the squadron’s capabilities. Over the years, they’ve logged more than 50,000 flight hours and played a key role in international efforts like Operation Deny Flight in Bosnia, enforcing the UN’s no-fly zone with precision and reliability.
Today, the 9th Aircraft Squadron continues to fly the entire Spanish Harrier fleet from Rota Naval Base and the amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I. These aircraft remain a cornerstone of naval aviation, actively participating in national and international exercises while staying primed for a variety of missions. The Spanish Navy is committed to ongoing upgrades, ensuring the Matador II+ remains a potent tactical asset for years to come.
Did You Know?
- International Collaboration: The AV-8B Harrier II evolved from the British Harrier GR.3 and was developed through a partnership between McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and British Aerospace (now BAE Systems), blending American and British engineering expertise.
- Combat Legacy: The Harrier II has proven its worth in conflicts like the Gulf War, Iraq War, and War in Afghanistan, delivering critical close air support to troops in diverse battlefields.
- Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL): With its ability to take off and land vertically, the Harrier II can operate from small ships, remote airstrips, and improvised bases, offering unmatched operational flexibility.
- Powerful Arsenal: It carries a diverse loadout, including precision-guided bombs, rockets, air-to-air missiles, and a 25mm GAU-12 cannon, making it a versatile multi-role fighter.
- Replacement by F-35B: The AV-8B is being phased out for the F-35B Lightning II, which builds on its VTOL capabilities with cutting-edge stealth and technology.