View source for AV-44 Varrie

{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
| name = AV-44 Varrie
| image = Boeing AV-8B Harrier II, Italy - Navy JP7306232.jpg
| caption = A Quetanan AV-44 Varrie hovering
| alt = Port view of grey jet aircraft hovering with landing gear extended. The two engine exhaust nozzles on each side and directed down.
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
| type = V/STOL ground-attack aircraft
| manufacturer = 
| national origin = {{flag|Quetana}}
| designer = 
| first flight = 5 November 1981
| introduced = January 1985
| retired = 
| status = In service
| primary user = [[Quetanan Armed Forces]] (<small>[[Quetanan Air Force|Air Force]], [[Quetanan Navy|Navy]]</small>)
| more users = {{flag|Elbresia}}<br>{{flag|Emmiria}}<br>{{flag|Kyti}}<br>{{flag|Paraboca}}
| produced = 1981–2003
| number built = AV-44: 537
| developed from = 
}}
|}

The '''AV-44 Varrie''' is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL). The aircraft is primarily employed on light attack or multi-role missions, ranging from close air support of ground troops to armed reconnaissance. The AV-44 is primarily used by the [[Quetanan Armed Forces]], and is also in use in the [[Elbresia]]n, [[Emmiria]]n, and [[Kyti]]an militaries. The AV-44 made its maiden flight in November 1981 and entered service with the Quetanan navy in January 1985. Later upgrades added a night-attack capability and radar, while an enlarged version was studied but not pursued. Approximately 540 aircraft were produced in a 22-year production program that ended in 2003.

Typically operated from small aircraft carriers, large amphibious assault ships and simple forward operating bases, AV-44s have participated in numerous military and humanitarian operations, proving themselves versatile assets. During its service history, the AV-44 has had a high accident rate, related to the percentage of time spent in critical take-off and landing phases. The Quetanan and Kyti Navy AV-44s are being replaced by the [[Z-17 Condor]]s, with the former expected to operate its Varries until 2025. Elbresia and Emmiria are expected to continue use of their aircraft until the mid 2030s.

[[Category:Coalition of Crown Albatross]][[Category:Quetana]]