The British Aerospace/McDonnell Douglas Harrier II is a second-generation 'jump-jet' used by the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and the US Marine Corps. New features include supercritical graphite composite wings, new engine nozzles, large flaps, improved high-lift features and leading-edge root extensions. It is designed more as an attack aircraft than a fighter, but can handle itself in a dogfight if necessary, especially with its ability to use Vectoring In Forward Flight (VIFF) to execute tighter turns or to decelerate rapidly, forcing an enemy to overshoot. The flexibility of short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) capability means that the Harrier can launch from small ships in support of amphibious landings, obviating the need for a full-sized carrier. The British variant is the GR.5, and is used primarily for low-level close-support and interdiction since it entered service in 1987. From experience gained in the Falklands War they have adopted the USMC practice of carrying Sidewinder missiles for self-defense.
