Zephyr Net

The price for the heavy workload is being paid now. The Marines have had to delay fielding of a major Harrier upgrade, Oscar, that has been in development for several years. Oscar is to replace the maxed-out mission and stores-management computers. It will also provide the strike aircraft with the ability to drop GPS-guided weapons, such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). It would also allow Harriers to fire Amraam medium-range air-to-air missiles, although the Marines so far don't plan to use the feature. However, because of lack of test aircraft, Oscar's development has slowed, said one program official.

The first squadron should be fielded in December 2004. Because of the strong interest in being able to drop JDAMs, giving Harriers an all-weather capability, the Marines are considering accelerating the upgrade kits.