RAF Harrier

Mission

The British Aerospace Harrier is used by the RAF in the close air support role. In this, aircraft are usually employed in direct support of ground troops tackling such targets as enemy troop positions, tanks and artillery. The Harrier uses a variety of weapons such as laser and GPS-guided bombs against buildings (Paveway), infra-red missiles against tanks (Maverick), cluster munitions and general-purpose bombs. When required, the Harrier can also be fitted with a pod fitted with cameras to provide reconnaissance of the target and battle areas.

Description and Specifications

The first Harriers entered RAF service in 1969, making the RAF the first in the world to use its revolutionary vertical take-off and landing abilities which allow the aircraft to fly in and out of areas close to the battlefield that would normally be off-limits to conventional aircraft such as the Tornado. The current versions of the Harrier are the pilot-only GR7 (which is being upgraded with more powerful engines and electronic systems to become the GR9) and the two-seat T10 which, when not used as a training aircraft, can also be used in combat.

Armament

Up to sixteen general-purpose bombs, four Maverick anti-tank missiles, Paveway 2 and 3 laser-guided bombs and CRV-7 rocket pods. Future attack weapons will include Brimstone anti-armour missiles and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. For self-defence, two AIM-9L Sidewinders or Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air missiles (ASRAAM) can be carried. The Joint Reconnaissance Pod, when fitted, is mounted under the centre fuselage.

Recognition

The sharply downward-sloping wing and tailplane, and the large air intakes of the Pegasus engine (3) make the Harrier very distinctive. The undercarriage is also unusual, in that the main wheels and nose wheel retract in tandem into the fuselage and there are two outrigger wheels that retract into housings on the wing at about two-thirds span (1). The cockpit glazing is large and pronounced on all versions(2). The T10 has a much more pronounced 'hump' for the twin cockpit (4) and is slightly longer than the GR7.

Engines:
One Rolls-Royce Pegasus vectored thrust turbofan

Length:
46ft 4in (14.12m)

Wingspan:
30ft 4in (9.24m)

Top Speed:
661mph (1,065km/h)

Accommodation:
Crew of 1 or 2

Manufacturer

BAE Systems (Lancashire, UK)