The first Gulf War took place between 2nd August 1990 and the 28th February 1991 after Iraq invaded and annexed Kuwait. In response a coalition of 35 nations quickly massed to halt Iraq and liberate Kuwait. The initial response by Coalition Forces was to build up troops and to defend Saudi Arabia from possible attack from Iraq too. This operation was codenamed Operation Desert Shield and commenced 2nd of August 1990, lasting until 17th January 1991. The Coalition attack on Iraqi forces began on 17th January 1991 and concluded on 28th February 1991 with Iraq’s defeat and withdrawal from Kuwait.
The AV-8B was one of the first USMC combat aircraft to arrive in the Middle East. In all, the Marines deployed 86 AV-8B’s. During the war three squadrons and one detachment of Harriers operated from a semi prepared airfield named King Abdul Aziz, in Saudi Arabia. Another Harrier squadron was based on USS Nassau (LHA-4). Five of the eight available Harrier II squadrons were deployed to the Gulf, all of them close to the Kuwait border. AV-8B Harrier II units focused mostly on targets in Kuwait, although a small number of missions were also flown over southern Iraq. A total of five AV-8Bs were lost during the war.
This decal set gives you option to build one of six Gulf War AV-8B Harrier II options, but the decal sheet includes a great number of extra markings that could be used to build a lot of other AV-8Bs from that era. The bonus decals gives you the chance to build alternative subjects – based on your personal research. Stencils for at least one aircraft are included in this set.
WHAT IS IN THE ENVELOPE:
– Decal set for 6 AV-8B Harrier II options:
VMA-311 Tomcats, WL-02, 163181
VMA-331 Bumblebees, VL-17, 162726
VMA-542 Tigers, WH-20, 162946
VMA-542 Tigers, WH-40, 162069
VMA-231 Ace of Spades, CG-01, 163662
VMA-231 Ace of Spades, CG-15, 163183
– Bonus decal sheet that gives you more build options including VMA-513 markings
– Background stories, history and details
– Photo quality profiles and instructions
– Aircraft detail guide
– Colors, painting and weathering guide
– Weapons configurations
– Small sticker
– Recommended literature and related video links
– Personal notes area
DESERT HARRIERS
1/72 PV-003-72
1/48 PV-003-48
“Desert Harriers” cover art unique NFT available as 1/1 on > Foundation
