In 1998, the AV-8B Harrier was the only fixed-wing vertical short-takeoff-and landing (V/STOL) aircraft in operational service in the world. After the Harrier II entered service in 1983, the United States, Spain, and Italy together developed the radar-equipped AV-8B Harrier II Plus that first flew Sept. 22, 1992. The AV-8B served during Operation Desert Storm and was launched from amphibious ships for Operation Enduring Freedom.