The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II is family of second-generation vertical/short takeoff and landing or V/STOL ground-attack aircraft of the late 20th century. It is an Anglo-American development of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier and Sea Harrier. It is primarily used for light attack or multi-role tasks, typically operated from small aircraft carriers and large amphibious assault ships. Although the AV-8B Harrier II shares the designation with the earlier AV-8A/C Harrier, the AV-8B was extensively redesigned from the previous-generation. The Harrier models are commonly referred to as the inches Harrier Jump Jet inches .