Iconic Harriers still proving their worth as they fly from US Navy's USS Wasp

US Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier IIs have been conducting flight operations aboard the USS Wasp while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, completing their integrated naval training.

The Harrier is a legacy piece of British jump jet ingenuity that is still turning heads – despite the fifth generation F-35B Lightning II fast eclipsing its military use in the US, Spain and Italy.

Its vertical or short take-off and landing capabilities mean it can operate from small aircraft carriers, large amphibious assault ships and simple forward operating bases.

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The Harrier can carry up to 4,200kg of weapons, including air-to-air, air-to-surface and anti-ship missiles, as well as unguided and guided bombs. 

A series of avionics and software upgrades have allowed it to keep up with advances in technology, with the latest variant featuring the APG-65 radar – the same one that is found in an F/A-18 Super Hornet.

But the clock is ticking as the US Marine Corps slowly retires its Harriers to fully transition to the F-35 Lightning II by 2026.