YAV-8C | Prototype

The AV-8C was an interim measure to bridge the gap until a greater number of AV-8B Harrier IIs entered service. While outwardly resembling the earlier Harriers, they feature the bubble canopy of the AV-8B. A total of only 47 AV-8As were converted to the AV-8C configuration beginning in 1979, the addition of warning radar equipment in the tail and a flare/chaff dispenser improved the aircraft’s survivability on the modern battlefield. The one and only AV-8C prototype ever produced was converted from AV-8A BuNo 158384, which had served with VMA-513 Flying Nightmares. While the YAV-8B was still being tested in 1979, the YAV-8C began trials. Testing continued between 1979 and 1980 leading to several changes like the addition of the Lift Improvement Device. Evaluation of the AV-8C ended abruptly off the coast of San Diego on September 8, 1980, when the aircraft lost power while taking off from Tarawa, forcing the pilot to safely eject from the aircraft. While the only prototype was lost tragically, things ultimately ended well. The AV-8C conversion proved to be a successful stopgap, and test pilot Jack Jackson went on to fly aircraft for McDonnell Douglas for another 27 years. by assassinAK