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Harrier British Aerospace
Harrier & Sea Harrier
Attack Fighters

DESCRIPTION:
Development of the revolutionary Harrier "jump-jet" began in the early 1960s. It was during this time when British planners began recognizing the benefits a vertical takeoff aircraft could have in reducing dependence on vulnerable runways and large, expensive aircraft carriers. Work on the Royal Air Force's Harrier GR.1, tailored for attack and reconnaissance roles, commenced in 1965. At the heart of the Harrier's vertical takeoff and landing capability was the Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine and a series of four vectored-thrust nozzles able to pivot through 110 degrees. Also utilizing a number of small reaction control jets, the Harrier demonstrated exceptional stability in hover and superb maneuverability in flight.
Though the Harrier's potential for use at sea was known by the time the RAF's GR.1 and GR.3 entered service, the Navy program suffered many delays due to political bickering. It was not until 1975 that the Sea Harrier project was finally approved. The two models were largely identical except that the Royal Navy Sea Harrier FRS.1 had a different nose enclosing a new radar. The Sea Harrier's cockpit was also raised higher to improve pilot visibility.
Both types quickly proved their value during the Falkland Islands conflict with Argentina. The Air Force's GR.3 was used for ground attack while the Navy's FRS.1 provided air defense. Thanks to their maneuverability as well as better weapons and training, the Harriers performed well against their Argentinian adversaries. The Sea Harriers compiled a record of 21 kills versus no air-to-air losses, but two were shot down by ground fire and another four were lost to accidents. Four GR.3 planes were also lost for similar reasons. Despite their successes, the Harriers were never able to gain complete air superiority leaving the British fleet vulnerable to attack. Five Royal Navy ships were sunk by bombs or missiles launched by Mirage, Super Etendard, and Skyhawk aircraft. The Harriers also failed to disable the main airbase at Port Stanley which continued to pose a threat to British plans throughout the war.
The RAF's GR.1 and GR.3 were gradually retired, but the Royal Navy built on the Falklands experience with the improved Sea Harrier FA2 optimized for fighter/attack missions. This version introduced a better radar, new cockpit displays, and increased air-to-air weapon carriage for enhanced air superiority capability. The FA2 was also the first UK plane able to carry the American AMRAAM missile. This upgraded Sea Harrier model saw additional action in the Balkans before being removed from service in 2006. Many were surprised by the retirement since much of the fleet remained relatively young and F-35 replacements were not due to arrive until at least 2012. Nevertheless, the FA2 had become costly to maintain and was retired to focus resources on the more modern Harrier II.
Beyond the UK, the original Harrier also became an export success. This was due largely to the US Marine Corps buying a version of the GR.1/GR.3 called the AV-8A and India's purchase of an FRS.1 derivative. Though the Marine fleet was retired long ago in favor of the AV-8B, India continues to upgrade its Sea Harrier force for use on its aircraft carriers until the navalized Tejas becomes available. Spain also bought a version of the AV-8A for its navy, and these are now sporadically operated by Thailand on its lone aircraft carrier.
British Aerospace long tried to interest the British government in an improved Harrier with better aerodynamics and greater payload. Though the UK originally showed little interest, BAe eventually teamed with McDonnell Douglas in America to build the Harrier II.
Data below for Harrier GR.3 and Sea Harrier F/A.2 where indicated
Last modified 17 March 2012

HISTORY:

First Flight (GR.1) 28 December 1967
(AV-8A) August 1970
(FRS.1) 20 August 1978
(F/A.2) 19 September 1988

Service Entry (GR.1) April 1969
(FRS.1) April 1980

Retirement

(F/A.2) March 2006

CREW:

one: pilot

ESTIMATED COST:

unknown

AIRFOIL SECTIONS:

Wing Root unknown

Wing Tip unknown

DIMENSIONS:

Length (GR.3) 47.17 ft (14.37 m)
(F/A.2) 46.50 ft (14.17 m)

Wingspan 25.25 ft (7.60 m)

Height (GR.3) 11.25 ft (3.42 m)
(F/A.2) 12.17 ft (3.71 m)

Wing Area 201.1 ft² (18.68 m²)

Canard Area

not applicable

WEIGHTS:

Empty (GR.3) 12,200 lb (5,533 kg)
(F/A.2) 14,052 lb (6,374 kg)

Normal Takeoff unknown

Max Takeoff (GR.3) 26,000 lb (11,793 kg) [short-takeoff]
(F/A.2) 26,200 lb (11,884 kg)

Fuel Capacity internal: 5,060 lb (2,295 kg)
external: 5,300 lb (2,404 kg)

Max Payload

8,000 lb (3,630 kg) [short takeoff]
5,005 lb (2,270 kg) [vertical takeoff]

PROPULSION:

Powerplant one Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 106 vectored-thrust turbofan

Thrust 21,500 lb (95.64 kN)

PERFORMANCE:

Max Level Speed at altitude: Mach 1.25
at sea level: 735 mph (1,185 km/h), Mach 0.97
sea level cruise: 405-520 mph (650-835 km/h)

Initial Climb Rate 50,000 ft (15,240 m) / min

Service Ceiling 51,000 ft (15,545 m)

Range typical: 540 nm (1,000 km)
ferry: 1,800 nm (3,330 km)

g-Limits +7.8 / -4.2

ARMAMENT:

Gun two 30-mm Aden gun pods (150 rds ea)

Stations five to seven external hardpoints

Air-to-Air Missile AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Sky Flash, Matra 550 Magic

Air-to-Surface Missile Wasp, Sea Eagle, AGM-84 Harpoon

Bomb WE177 nuclear, GBU-13/-18 Paveway laser-guided, 1,000-lb GP, BL.755 cluster, Matra 400-kg retarded bombs

Other rocket pods, ECM pods, recon camera pods, munition dispensers

KNOWN VARIANTS:

GR.1 Production attack fighter for the RAF with a Pegasus Mk 101 engine; 118 built (including GR.1A and GR.3)

GR.1A Upgrade based on the GR.1 with a more powerful Pegasus Mk 102 engine; 41 modified and 17 built

T.2 Two-seat trainer for the RAF

T.2A Two-seat trainer incorporating the upgrades of the GR.1A

GR.3 Improved GR.1 with a Pegasus Mk 103 engine and more capable sensors such as a laser tracker

T.4 Two-seat trainer

T.4N Two-seat trainer for the Royal Navy

Mk 52 Two-seat demonstrator used by British Aerospace; 1 built

AV-8A (Mk 50) US version similar to the GR.1 but incorporating some improvements of the GR.3, purchased by the Marines and operated from amphibious assault ships; 102 built

TAV-8A (Mk 54) Two-seat trainer version of the AV-8A; 8 built

AV-8C Upgraded AV-8A with a strengthened airframe and updated communications equipment; 47 converted

AV-8S Matador
(Mk 53/55) Variant of the American AV-8A originally built for the Spanish Navy and later resold to Thailand

VA-1 Matador Spanish designation for the AV-8S

TAV-8S (Mk 54) Two-seat trainer version of the AV-8S, also resold to Thailand

VAE-1 Matador Spanish designation for the TAV-8S

AV-8B/GR.5/7/9 Improved models of the original Harrier known as the Harrier II

FRS.1 First production carrier-based Fighter/Reconnaissance/Strike model for the Royal Navy and based on the GR.3, 29 flew 2,376 sorties during the Falklands War shooting down 21 Argentine aircraft; 57 built for the UK

FRS.51 Version of the FRS.1 purchased by the Indian Navy; 23 built

T.60 Two-seat trainer for India based on the T.4N; 4 built

F/A.2 (FA2) Improved attack fighter for the Royal Navy with an improved radar, new cockpit displays, and increased payload; 18 built and 5 modified from FRS.1

T.8 T.4 trainers upgraded with FA2 instrumentation

KNOWN COMBAT RECORD: Falklands War (RAF, RN, 1982)
Bosnia - Operation Deliberate Force (RN, 1995)
Kosovo - Operation Allied Force (RN, 1999)

KNOWN OPERATORS: India (Indian Naval Air Squadron)
Spain, Arma Aérea de la Armada Española (Spanish Naval Aviation)
Thailand, Kong Tha Han Lur Thai (Royal Thai Navy Air Arm)
United Kingdom (Royal Air Force)
United Kingdom (Royal Navy)
United States (US Marine Corps)

3-VIEW SCHEMATIC:

Harrier

SOURCES:

Bishop, Chris, ed. The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Weapons: The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,000 Weapon Systems from 1945 to the Present Day. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1999, p. 279, 345.

Donald, David, ed. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1997, p. 212-213, British Aerospace (HS) Harrier.

Gunston, Bill and Spick, Mike. Modern Air Combat: The Aircraft, Tactics and Weapons Employed in Aerial Combat Today. NY: Crescent Books, 1983, p. 84-85.

Munro, Bob and Chant, Christopher. Jane's Combat Aircraft. Glasgow: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995, p. 62-65, British Aerospace Sea Harrier FRS.1, Sea Harrier F/A.2.

Paul Nann's Military Aviation Photo Gallery

Rendall, David. Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide, 2nd ed. London: Harper Collins Publishers, 1999, p. 26-27, BAe Sea Harrier F/A.Mk2, Sea Harrier FRS.Mk51.

Winchester, Jim. Military Aircraft of the Cold War. San Diego, CA: Thunder Bay Press, 2006, p. 46-47, British Aerospace Sea Harrier FRS.Mk 1.

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DESCRIPTION: Development of the revolutionary Harrier "jump-jet" began in the early 1960s. It was during this time when British planners began recognizing the benefits a vertical takeoff aircraft could have in reducing dependence on vulnerable runways and large, expensive aircraft carriers. Work on the Royal Air Force's Harrier GR.1, tailored for attack and reconnaissance roles, commenced in 1965. At the heart of the Harrier's vertical takeoff and landing capability was the Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine and a series of four vectored-thrust nozzles able to pivot through 110 degrees. Also utilizing a number of small reaction control jets, the Harrier demonstrated exceptional stability in hover and superb maneuverability in flight. Though the Harrier's potential for use at sea was known by the time the RAF's GR.1 and GR.3 entered service, the Navy program suffered many delays due to political bickering. It was not until 1975 that the Sea Harrier project was finally approved. The two models were largely identical except that the Royal Navy Sea Harrier FRS.1 had a different nose enclosing a new radar. The Sea Harrier's cockpit was also raised higher to improve pilot visibility. Both types quickly proved their value during the Falkland Islands conflict with Argentina. The Air Force's GR.3 was used for ground attack while the Navy's FRS.1 provided air defense. Thanks to their maneuverability as well as better weapons and training, the Harriers performed well against their Argentinian adversaries. The Sea Harriers compiled a record of 21 kills versus no air-to-air losses, but two were shot down by ground fire and another four were lost to accidents. Four GR.3 planes were also lost for similar reasons. Despite their successes, the Harriers were never able to gain complete air superiority leaving the British fleet vulnerable to attack. Five Royal Navy ships were sunk by bombs or missiles launched by Mirage, Super Etendard, and Skyhawk aircraft. The Harriers also failed to disable the main airbase at Port Stanley which continued to pose a threat to British plans throughout the war. The RAF's GR.1 and GR.3 were gradually retired, but the Royal Navy built on the Falklands experience with the improved Sea Harrier FA2 optimized for fighter/attack missions. This version introduced a better radar, new cockpit displays, and increased air-to-air weapon carriage for enhanced air superiority capability. The FA2 was also the first UK plane able to carry the American AMRAAM missile. This upgraded Sea Harrier model saw additional action in the Balkans before being removed from service in 2006. Many were surprised by the retirement since much of the fleet remained relatively young and F-35 replacements were not due to arrive until at least 2012. Nevertheless, the FA2 had become costly to maintain and was retired to focus resources on the more modern Harrier II. Beyond the UK, the original Harrier also became an export success. This was due largely to the US Marine Corps buying a version of the GR.1/GR.3 called the AV-8A and India's purchase of an FRS.1 derivative. Though the Marine fleet was retired long ago in favor of the AV-8B, India continues to upgrade its Sea Harrier force for use on its aircraft carriers until the navalized Tejas becomes available. Spain also bought a version of the AV-8A for its navy, and these are now sporadically operated by Thailand on its lone aircraft carrier. British Aerospace long tried to interest the British government in an improved Harrier with better aerodynamics and greater payload. Though the UK originally showed little interest, BAe eventually teamed with McDonnell Douglas in America to build the Harrier II. Data below for Harrier GR.3 and Sea Harrier F/A.2 where indicated Last modified 17 March 2012
HISTORY:
First Flight	(GR.1) 28 December 1967 (AV-8A) August 1970 (FRS.1) 20 August 1978 (F/A.2) 19 September 1988
Service Entry	(GR.1) April 1969 (FRS.1) April 1980
Retirement	(F/A.2) March 2006
CREW:	one: pilot
ESTIMATED COST:	unknown
AIRFOIL SECTIONS:
Wing Root	unknown
Wing Tip	unknown
DIMENSIONS:
Length	(GR.3) 47.17 ft (14.37 m) (F/A.2) 46.50 ft (14.17 m)
Wingspan	25.25 ft (7.60 m)
Height	(GR.3) 11.25 ft (3.42 m) (F/A.2) 12.17 ft (3.71 m)
Wing Area	201.1 ft² (18.68 m²)
Canard Area	not applicable
WEIGHTS:
Empty	(GR.3) 12,200 lb (5,533 kg) (F/A.2) 14,052 lb (6,374 kg)
Normal Takeoff	unknown
Max Takeoff	(GR.3) 26,000 lb (11,793 kg) [short-takeoff] (F/A.2) 26,200 lb (11,884 kg)
Fuel Capacity	internal: 5,060 lb (2,295 kg) external: 5,300 lb (2,404 kg)
Max Payload	8,000 lb (3,630 kg) [short takeoff] 5,005 lb (2,270 kg) [vertical takeoff]
PROPULSION:
Powerplant	one Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 106 vectored-thrust turbofan
Thrust	21,500 lb (95.64 kN)
PERFORMANCE:
Max Level Speed	at altitude: Mach 1.25 at sea level: 735 mph (1,185 km/h), Mach 0.97 sea level cruise: 405-520 mph (650-835 km/h)
Initial Climb Rate	50,000 ft (15,240 m) / min
Service Ceiling	51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Range	typical: 540 nm (1,000 km) ferry: 1,800 nm (3,330 km)
g-Limits	+7.8 / -4.2
ARMAMENT:
Gun	two 30-mm Aden gun pods (150 rds ea)
Stations	five to seven external hardpoints
Air-to-Air Missile	AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Sky Flash, Matra 550 Magic
Air-to-Surface Missile	Wasp, Sea Eagle, AGM-84 Harpoon
Bomb	WE177 nuclear, GBU-13/-18 Paveway laser-guided, 1,000-lb GP, BL.755 cluster, Matra 400-kg retarded bombs
Other	rocket pods, ECM pods, recon camera pods, munition dispensers
KNOWN VARIANTS:
GR.1	Production attack fighter for the RAF with a Pegasus Mk 101 engine; 118 built (including GR.1A and GR.3)
GR.1A	Upgrade based on the GR.1 with a more powerful Pegasus Mk 102 engine; 41 modified and 17 built
T.2	Two-seat trainer for the RAF
T.2A	Two-seat trainer incorporating the upgrades of the GR.1A
GR.3	Improved GR.1 with a Pegasus Mk 103 engine and more capable sensors such as a laser tracker
T.4	Two-seat trainer
T.4N	Two-seat trainer for the Royal Navy
Mk 52	Two-seat demonstrator used by British Aerospace; 1 built
AV-8A (Mk 50)	US version similar to the GR.1 but incorporating some improvements of the GR.3, purchased by the Marines and operated from amphibious assault ships; 102 built
TAV-8A (Mk 54)	Two-seat trainer version of the AV-8A; 8 built
AV-8C	Upgraded AV-8A with a strengthened airframe and updated communications equipment; 47 converted
AV-8S Matador (Mk 53/55)	Variant of the American AV-8A originally built for the Spanish Navy and later resold to Thailand
VA-1 Matador	Spanish designation for the AV-8S
TAV-8S (Mk 54)	Two-seat trainer version of the AV-8S, also resold to Thailand
VAE-1 Matador	Spanish designation for the TAV-8S
AV-8B/GR.5/7/9	Improved models of the original Harrier known as the Harrier II
FRS.1	First production carrier-based Fighter/Reconnaissance/Strike model for the Royal Navy and based on the GR.3, 29 flew 2,376 sorties during the Falklands War shooting down 21 Argentine aircraft; 57 built for the UK
FRS.51	Version of the FRS.1 purchased by the Indian Navy; 23 built
T.60	Two-seat trainer for India based on the T.4N; 4 built
F/A.2 (FA2)	Improved attack fighter for the Royal Navy with an improved radar, new cockpit displays, and increased payload; 18 built and 5 modified from FRS.1
T.8	T.4 trainers upgraded with FA2 instrumentation
KNOWN COMBAT RECORD:	Falklands War (RAF, RN, 1982) Bosnia - Operation Deliberate Force (RN, 1995) Kosovo - Operation Allied Force (RN, 1999)
KNOWN OPERATORS:	India (Indian Naval Air Squadron) Spain, Arma Aérea de la Armada Española (Spanish Naval Aviation) Thailand, Kong Tha Han Lur Thai (Royal Thai Navy Air Arm) United Kingdom (Royal Air Force) United Kingdom (Royal Navy) United States (US Marine Corps)
3-VIEW SCHEMATIC:
SOURCES: Bishop, Chris, ed. The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Weapons: The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,000 Weapon Systems from 1945 to the Present Day. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1999, p. 279, 345. Donald, David, ed. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1997, p. 212-213, British Aerospace (HS) Harrier. Gunston, Bill and Spick, Mike. Modern Air Combat: The Aircraft, Tactics and Weapons Employed in Aerial Combat Today. NY: Crescent Books, 1983, p. 84-85. Munro, Bob and Chant, Christopher. Jane's Combat Aircraft. Glasgow: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995, p. 62-65, British Aerospace Sea Harrier FRS.1, Sea Harrier F/A.2. Paul Nann's Military Aviation Photo Gallery Rendall, David. Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide, 2nd ed. London: Harper Collins Publishers, 1999, p. 26-27, BAe Sea Harrier F/A.Mk2, Sea Harrier FRS.Mk51. Winchester, Jim. Military Aircraft of the Cold War. San Diego, CA: Thunder Bay Press, 2006, p. 46-47, British Aerospace Sea Harrier FRS.Mk 1.