The Aircraft of British Aerospace and BAE SYSTEMS 1977 - 2017 65
Harrier – conquering tHe vertical
right time. Harrier operations during the
Falklands War confounded the critics of
many air forces who thought it would shot
out of the skies by the supersonic Mirage.
Despite this demonstration of its abilities
its export potential was never truly
achieved, as many air forces had long
runways and still sought truly supersonic
aircraft.
If Britain alone had been involved in the
aircraft’s development, then sales would
have been comparatively limited and the
Harrier 2 would probably not have existed.
The US Marine Corp order and the resulting
co-operation with McDonnell Douglas led
to greater development than would have
otherwise been the case. However, in the
process the Americans became the leaders
in the aircraft’s development.
The Harrier proved a highly profitable
investment for Hawker Siddeley/BAe
provided large export earnings for the UK.
Sad to say, the Harrier no longer graces
British skies but it does fly with the USMC
and the Italian and Spanish Navies. ■Data Harrier GR9
Length 46ft 4in
Wingspan 30 ft 4in
Height 11ft 8in
MTOW 31,000 lbs (Short take off )
Max speed 662 mph at sea level
Combat range 380 mls
Crew 1
Engine Rolls-Royce Pegasus 105 21,750 lb thrust
Armament Guns 2 x 25mm Aden cannon
Missiles: Sidewinders, Maverick
Bombs: unguided 1,000lb, Laser-guided.
Also Drop tanks, Reconnaissance pod No 1 (F) Squadron
RAF Harrier GR9s at
Cottesmore.
(BAE SYSTEMS)