The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft. A successor to the Harrier Jump Jet, it was designed in the late 1970s at McDonnell Douglas for vertical or short takeoff and landing. Primarily for light attack or multi-role missions, it is deployed by the United States Marine Corps, the Spanish Navy, and the Italian Navy. Development of the AV-8B started in the early 1970s. It made its maiden flight in 1981 and entered service with the US Marines in 1985. The UK rejoined the Harrier project as a partner in 1981; since corporate mergers in the 1990s, Boeing and BAE Systems have jointly supported the program. Around 340 aircraft, all powered by the Rolls- Royce Pegasus engine, were produced over 22 years. Typically operated from small aircraft carriers, large amphibious assault ships or forward operating bases, AV-8Bs have participated in numerous military and humanitarian operations. They have proved themselves versatile assets, although their accident rate during takeoffs and landings has been relatively high.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_AV-8B_Harrier_II

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1799:

The coup of 18 Brumaire led by Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès and Napoleon deposed the French government, replacing the Directory with the Consulate. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coup_of_18_Brumaire

1867:

Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of Japan, tendered his resignation to the Emperor Meiji. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_Yoshinobu

1888:

Mary Jane Kelly was murdered in London; she was widely believed to be the fifth and final victim of the notorious unidentified serial killer Jack the Ripper. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Jane_Kelly

1967:

The first issue of Rolling Stone, the American-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics and popular culture, was published. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolling_Stone

1985:

At age 22, Garry Kasparov became the youngest-ever undisputed World Chess Champion by defeating then-champion Anatoly Karpov. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garry_Kasparov

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

welfare trap: (US) A situation where the welfare system keeps people on social insurance because entering low-paid work does not result into a significant income increase. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/welfare_trap

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

A central lesson of science is that to understand complex issues (or even simple ones), we must try to free our minds of dogma and to guarantee the freedom to publish, to contradict, and to experiment. Arguments from authority are unacceptable.   --Carl Sagan https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Carl_Sagan