Osprey Publishing’s 90th book in the Osprey Combat Aircraft series is about the AV-8B Harrier II. It is the first in a 3-part set on USMC Harrier IIs in combat. This book is about the units of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. The next 2 volumes will be Operations in Iraq and then Afghanistan.

This is a small book but it is jam-packed with color photographs. A couple of things that I really liked were the 8 pages of color plates of the various units that served in these 2 operations, and the firsthand accounts from the personnel. Particularly interesting to me was the section about VMA-311 from Yuma, Arizona. I’m very interested in the various units that have been based in my home state and I’m trying to build as many kits from them as I can.

As with other books in the Osprey Combat Aircraft series, it starts out with the history of the need for a close air support aircraft and how the Harrier was picked for this role, its testing, improvements up to the Harrier II, and night fighter changes. Next, it follows a timeline from the invasion of Kuwait, Operation Desert Shield, and Desert Storm, going between the different units as they arrive on scene.

The book is divided into 7 sections:

• Introduction
• AV-8B and the MAGTF
• VMA-311 and MAG-13 (Forward)
• VMA-542
• VMA-331 and VMA-513
• VMA-231
• Appendices ( color plates commentary and index)

I highly recommend this book if you are interested in the Harrier II and if you want a great reference for modeling an aircraft that served in these operations. I can’t wait to get the next two volumes.

Thank you to Osprey Publishing and IPMS/USA for letting me enjoy and review this very informative book. It will make a wonderful addition to my library.