Harrier

Description
Looking more like a conventional fighter than a VTOL, and relying on thrust-jets for lift while hovering, the Harrier made its first flight in 3058. Designed for the Free Worlds League, Kallon also sold the aircraft to the Draconis Combine and various mercenaries. Notably, the Zebra Sharks stole a flight of the aircraft from a Combine hangar as they fled, and shot down eight pursuing Crow VTOLs. Fitted with three tons of armor, the Harrier is fairly well-protected from combat vehicles, although 'Mechs pose a serious problem. Employed in packs, however, Harriers can easily down all but the heaviest 'Mech.

Armament
The Harrier is armed with a Medium Pulse Laser hung under the nose on a swivel mount. Under each wing, a pair of SRM-6 launchers provide fearsome close-in firepower.

Variants
-AV-8B Harrier-Exchanging a ton of armor and all SRM launchers for two LRM-20 launchers, the Harrier's B-model proves a lethal long-range combatant, while retaining the ability to deal pain close-in.

-AV-8C Harrier-A purely laser-based variant, the Harrier-C replaces all weaponry with a Large Pulse Laser, two Medium Pulse Lasers, and two ER Medium Lasers.

-AV-8D Harrier-This variant of the Harrier improves speed to 240 km/hr by the inclusion of a far more powerful engine, and replaces all SRMs with a TAG unit and a Beagle Active Probe.

-AV-8E Super Harrier-The Super Harrier is designed to do as much damage as possible to 'Mechs by overloading their heat-dissipation systems. It mounts a pair of PPCs underwing, with a Light PPC and Beagle Active Probe under the nose.