british aerospace harrier ii gr9

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the british aerospace harrier ii is a second-generation vertical/short takeoff and landing (v/stol) jet aircraft used previously by the royal air force (raf) and, between 2006 and 2010, the royal navy (rn). the aircraft was the latest development of the harrier jump jet family, and was derived from the mcdonnell douglas av-8b harrier ii. initial deliveries of the harrier ii were designated in service as harrier gr5; subsequently upgraded airframes were redesignated accordingly as gr7 and gr9. under the joint force harrier organisation, both the raf and rn operated the harrier ii under the raf's air command, including deployments on board the navy's invincible-class aircraft carriers. the harrier ii participated in numerous conflicts, making significant contributions in combat theatres such as kosovo, iraq, and afghanistan. the type's main function was as a platform for air interdiction and close air support missions; the harrier ii was also used for power projection and reconnaissance duties. the harrier ii served alongside the sea harrier in joint force harrier.