Designed as a single-engine ground-attack aircraft, the AV-8B Harrier is capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing. Used primarily by the Marines, its main mission is close ground support to armed reconnaissance. Built between 1981-2003, the Harrier carries a 25mm GAU-12 cannon and has the ability to haryy 9,200 pounds of wapons, including air-to-air, air-to-surface and anti-ship missles. The Harrier is also employed by the Spanish and Italian Navy.