Not entirely satisfied with the AV-8B's lack of medium-range missile capability, the US Marine Corps awarded in 1990 a contract to McDonnell Douglas to produce the Harrier II Plus. It is to be equipped with the Hughes APG-65 multi-mode radar as used by the F/A-18 (also in USMC service) and given internal night-vision attack systems and a more powerful engine. It is likely that existing AV-8B's will eventually be upgraded to the Harrier II Plus standard. [See also AV-8B Harrier II]
