Help us further curate our vibrant aviation collection and bring an AV-8A Harrier home

Currently on display at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, the AV-8A Harrier has been offered to the Yankee Air Museum. Delivery is tentatively scheduled for the Fall of 2023. As this specific AV-8A turns 50 years old this year, we are asking all members and supporters of the Museum to consider a symbolic gift of $50 to help with the professional transportation costs of this rare aircraft from Canada to our country.

We know that the preservation and presentation of aviation history drives all of us. We hope you will take an active role in donating to bring this important piece of aviation history to the Yankee Air Museum.

Once here, the Harrier will be able to tell its story for years to come to all visitors and provide an even more immersive and educational experience!

Affectionately known as the “Jump Jet”, the Harrier was the only successful production Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft of its time. Its vertical and short take-off capabilities were unmatched and its utilization as a close air support and reconnaissance attack aircraft had the Harrier earning its stripes almost immediately during its service. And while the United States Marine Corps only ordered 102 AV-8A Harriers, their impact was immeasurable during their service life.

Just like any modern aircraft, mechanical parts “age-out” and need to be replaced. New engines, propellers/rotor blades, and tires are just some of the routine maintenance issues that our teams must be ready for, sometimes at a moment’s notice. Due to the age of our historic aircraft, replacement parts are rare and hard to come by. Annually, aircraft parts costs can run $250,000 alone. The Yankee Air Museum is constantly investing in our Historic Flying Aircraft Collection to ensure the long-term viability of these aircraft and the highest quality of safety for their operations.

By donating to the Yankee Air Museum’s Historic Flying Aircraft Collection, you will help the Museum make an even larger impact during next year’s flight season, thus influencing more lives, and sharing the history and fascinating technology of these aircraft. Your investment combined with the Museum’s investment will help keep these national icons in the air and have a lasting effect on our communities.