British Aerospace Harrier II

Harrier GR5 / GR7 / GR9
An RAF Harrier GR9 over Afghanistan, 2008
Role	V/STOL strike aircraft
National origin	United Kingdom / United States
Manufacturer	British Aerospace / McDonnell Douglas BAE Systems / Boeing
First flight	30 April 1985[1]
Introduction	December 1989[1]
Retired	March 2011
Status	Retired
Primary users	Royal Air Force Royal Navy
Number built	143[2]
Developed from	Hawker Siddeley Harrier McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II

The British Aerospace/McDonnell Douglas Harrier II is a second-generation vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet aircraft used previously by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and, between 2006–2010, the Royal Navy. Derived from the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II, which was a development of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the BAe Harrier II was produced as the Harrier GR5/GR7/GR9. Both are primarily used for light attack or multi-role tasks, and are often operated from small aircraft carriers. The Harrier II fell victim to a UK defence review which saw all its operational airframes retired from service in December 2010.

Contents 1 Design and development 1.1 Origins 1.2 Testing 2 Operational history 2.1 Retirement 3 Variants 4 Operators 5 Specifications (Harrier GR7) 6 See also 7 References 8 External links

Design and development

Origins

Development of a much more powerful successor to the Harrier began in 1973 as a cooperative effort between McDonnell Douglas in the US and Hawker Siddeley (in 1977, its aviation interests were nationalised to form part of British Aerospace) in the UK. At the time, first-generation Harriers were being introduced into Royal Air Force and United States Marine Corps; operational experience highlighted the need for a more capable aircraft.

Lack of backing from the government for the necessary engine (Pegasus 15) led Hawker to withdraw from that project in 1975. Work continued on a less ambitious successor due to US interest in developing the aircraft. This led to a development of the first Harrier with a larger wing and composite materials in the fuselage. Two prototypes were built from existing aircraft and flew in 1978. The U.S. government was content to continue if a major foreign buyer was found. Britain had their own development plan to improve the current Harrier with a new larger metal wing. In 1980, the British considered if the American development would meet their needs – their opinion was that it required modification. The MDD wing was then modified to incorporate the leading edge root extensions of the British design. The agreement between the US and the UK was a British contribution of US$280 million to cover general and specific development costs for their own needs and a purchase of at least 60 aircraft. Airframe construction would be divided up between MDD and BAE with no overlap. For UK variants, BAE Systems is the prime contractor and Boeing a sub-contractor.

The Harrier II is an extensively modified version of the first generation Harrier GR1/GR3 series. The original aluminium alloy fuselage was replaced by a fuselage which makes extensive use of composites, providing significant weight reduction and increased payload or range. An all-new one-piece wing provides around 14 per cent more area and increased thickness. The UK's version of the Harrier II uses different avionic systems, an additional missile pylon in front of each wing landing gear, and strengthened leading edges of the wings to meet higher bird strike requirements.^[3] The Harrier II's cockpit has day and night operability and is equipped with Head-up display (HUD), two head-down displays known as multi-purpose colour displays (MPCDs), a digital moving map, an Inertial Navigation System (INS), and a hands-on-throttle-and-stick system (HOTAS). The pilot flies the aircraft by means of a conventional centre stick and left-hand throttle.

Testing

The first new prototype flew in 1981 with production aircraft flying in 1983.

The RAF used Harriers in the ground attack and reconnaissance roles, so they relied on the short-range AIM-9 Sidewinder missile for air combat. The Sidewinder had proven effective for Sea Harriers against Argentinian Mirages in the Falklands conflict, but from 1993 the Sea Harrier FA2 could carry the much longer-range AIM-120 AMRAAM. The Sea Harrier had a radar from the start, and the USMC added one with the AV-8B+ upgrade, but the RAF chose not to install a radar on their airframes. With the retirement of the Sea Harrier, it was suggested that its Blue Vixen radar could be transferred to the GR9 fleet. However, the Ministry of Defence rejected this as risky and too expensive. The Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram estimated that the cost would be in excess of £600 million.^[4]

Operational history

The Harrier GR7 formed the spearhead of the RAF's contribution to Operation Allied Force, the NATO mission in Kosovo. During this campaign the RAF identified significant shortcomings in its arsenal. As a result the service ordered the AGM-65 Maverick stand-off missile and the Enhanced Paveway which incorporates GPS guidance which would negate the effects of smoke and bad weather. Using updated ordnance as well as unguided iron and cluster munitions, RAF Harrier GR7s played a prominent role in Operation Telic, the UK contribution to the U.S.-led war against Iraq in 2003. RAF GR7s participated in strike and close air support missions throughout the conflict.

On 14 October 2005 a RAF Harrier GR7A was destroyed and another was damaged in a rocket attack by Taliban forces while parked on the tarmac at Kandahar in Afghanistan. No one was injured in the attack. The damaged Harrier was repaired, while the destroyed one was replaced by another aircraft.^[5] Harrier GR7s were deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 as part of the expanded ISAF mission in the south of Afghanistan. Reflecting the increased pace of operations, RAF Harrier GR7As saw a large increase in munitions used in supporting ground forces since July 2006. Between July and September, the theatre total for munitions deployed by British Harriers on planned operations and close air support to ground forces rose from 179 to 539, mostly CRV-7 rockets.^[6] The first operational deployment of the Harrier GR9 was in January 2007 at Kandahar in Afghanistan as part of the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

On one occasion, a British Army Major described the Harrier's air support capability as "utterly, utterly useless" due to its lack of a cannon.^[7]

In 2006, the Sea Harrier was retired from Fleet Air Arm service and the Harrier GR7/9 fleet was tasked with the missions that it used to share with those aircraft. The former Sea Harrier squadron 800 Naval Air Squadron reformed with ex-RAF Harrier GR7/9s, later expanding and becoming the Naval Strike Wing.

Retirement

On 31 March 2010, No. 20 Squadron RAF, the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), was disbanded; No. 4 Squadron also disbanded and reformed as No. 4 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Wittering.^[8] All Harrier GR7 aircraft were retired by July 2010.^[9]

The Harrier GR9 was expected to stay in service at least until 2018. However, on 19 October 2010 it was announced in the Strategic Defence and Security Review that the Harrier was to be retired by April 2011.^[10] In the long term, a number of non-V/STOL F-35C Lightning II, scheduled to be introduced by 2020, at the same time as a CATOBAR-capable CVF aircraft carrier enters service.^[11] The decision to retire the Harrier was controversial, with some senior officers calling for the Panavia Tornado to be retired as an alternative.^[12]

On 24 November 2010, the Harrier made its last ever flight from a carrier, incidentally also the last flight from the carrier HMS Ark Royal (R07) prior to retirement.^[13] The fleet's farewell to operational flights occurred on 15 December 2010 with fly pasts over numerous military bases.^[14] Two Harrier IIs were transferred to museums. In November 2011, the UK Ministry of Defence sold its retired Harrier IIs and spare parts to the U.S. Navy to augment the United States Marine Corps' Harrier II fleet.^[15][16]

Variants

GR.5

The GR5 was the RAF's first second-generation Harrier, with development beginning in 1976. Two AV-8As were modified to Harrier II standard in 1979 and operated as development aircraft. The first BAE built development GR5 flew for the first time on 30 April 1985 and the aircraft entered service in July 1987. The GR5 differed from the USMC AV-8B in many ways, for example avionics fit, weapons and countermeasures. Forty one GR5s were built.

GR.5A

The GR5A was a minor variant of the Harrier which incorporated changes in the design in anticipation of the GR7 upgrade. Twenty-one GR5As were built.

GR.7

The GR7 had its maiden flight in May 1990 and made its first operational deployment in August 1995 over the former Yugoslavia. While the GR7 deployed on Invincible class aircraft carriers during testing as early as June 1994, the first operational deployments at sea began in 1997. This arrangement was formalised with the Joint Force Harrier, operating with the Royal Navy's Sea Harrier.

GR.7A

The GR7A is the first stage in an upgrade to the Harrier GR9 standard. The GR7A is the GR7 with an uprated Rolls-Royce Pegasus 107 engine. When upgraded to GR9 standard the uprated engine variants will retain the A designation, becoming GR9As. Forty GR7s are due to receive this upgrade (all GR7 aircraft are to be made capable of using the Mk 107 engine when converted to GR9 standard). The Mk 107 engine provides around 3,000 lbf (13 kN) extra thrust than the Mk 105's 21,750 lbf (98 kN) thrust, increasing aircraft performance during "hot and high" and carrier-borne operations.

The last Harrier GR7 was retired from service on 31 March 2010; only GR9s and GR9As remained in service after this date.^[9]

GR.9

The Harrier GR9 is an avionics and weapons upgrade of the standard GR7. The £500m Joint Update and Maintenance Programme (JUMP) upgraded the Harrier fleet during normal maintenance periods, in a series of incremental capabilities.^[17] These started with software upgrades to the communications, ground proximity warning and navigation systems, followed by the integration of the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile.^[17] Capability C added the RAF's Rangeless Airborne Instrumentation Debriefing System (RAIDS), Raytheon's Successor Identification Friend or Foe (SIFF) system and the Paveway guided bombs.^[17] The Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod (DJRP) was added as part of Capability D^[17] and handling trials of the MBDA Brimstone missile started on 14 February 2007.^[17] However the Brimstone was still not cleared for the GR9 as of November 2010.^[18] Capability E would have included a Link 16 communications link.^[17] The Sniper targeting pod replaced the less accurate TIALD in 2007, under an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) for Afghanistan.^[17]

In July 2007, BAE Systems completed the final of seven Harrier GR9 replacement rear fuselages for the UK MoD. The fuselage components were designed and built as part of a three year £20 million programme.^[19]

GR.9A

The Harrier GR9A is an avionics and weapons upgrade of the uprated engined GR7As. All GR9s are capable of accepting the Mk 107 Pegasus engine to become GR9As. Due to a lack of available Mk 107 engines the Harrier II will continue use the Mk 105 engine to ensure fleet availability.

T.10

The Harrier T10 is the original two seat training variant of the second-generation RAF Harrier. The RAF considered upgrading the first-generation Harrier trainer, the T4, to Harrier II standard. However due to the age of the airframes and the level of modification required, the service decided to order new build Harrier II trainers. The RAF used the USMC trainer, the TAV-8B, as the basis for the design. Unlike their American counterparts the T10s are fully combat capable. Thirteen aircraft were built.

T.12

The RAF needed trainers to reflect the upgrade of the GR7 to GR9. Nine T10 aircraft were to receive the JUMP updates under the designation T12, but retain the less powerful Pegasus 105 engine.^[17]

T.12A

The Harrier T12A is the trainer equivalent of the up-engined GR7A.

Operators

 United Kingdom

• Royal Air Force (1989–2011)
  • No. 1 Squadron
  • No. 3 Squadron (until 2006)
  • No. 4 Squadron
  • No. 20 Squadron (until 2010)
  • RAF Strike Attack Operational Evaluation Unit
• Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm
  • 800 Naval Air Squadron (2006–2007, 2010)
  • Naval Strike Wing (2007–2010)

Specifications (Harrier GR7)

Data from Nordeen^[20]

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 46 ft 4 in (14.12 m)
• Wingspan: 30 ft 4 in (9.25 m)
• Height: 11 ft 8 in (3.56 m)
• Wing area: 343 ft² (22.6 m²)
• Empty weight: 12,500 lb (5,700 kg)
• Loaded weight: 15,703 lb (7,123 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 18,950 lb VTO, 31,000 lb STO^[21] (8,595 kg VTO, 14,061 kg STO)
• Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk. 105 vectored thrust turbofan, 21,750 lb (96.7 kN)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 662 mph (1,065 km/h)
• Combat radius: 300 nmi (556 km)
• Ferry range: 2,015 mi ()
• Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,000 m)
• Rate of climb: 14,715 ft/min (74.8 m/s)

Armament

• Guns: 2× 30 mm (1.18 in) ADEN cannon pods under the fuselage (no longer fitted)
• Hardpoints: 8 (under-wing pylon stations 1A & 7A are intended for air-to-air missiles only) with a capacity of 8,000 lb (3,650 kg) of payload and provisions to carry combinations of:
  • Rockets: 4× LAU-5003 rocket pods (19× CRV7 70 mm rockets each) or 4× Matra rocket pods (18× SNEB 68 mm rockets each)
  • Missiles: 6× AIM-9 Sidewinders or 4× AGM-65 Maverick
  • Bombs: ordnance such as Paveway series of laser-guided bombs, unguided iron bombs (including 3 kg and 14 kg practice bombs)
  • Other: 2× auxiliary drop tanks or reconnaissance pods (such as the Joint Reconnaissance Pod)

A government statement gave the following systems as being cleared for the GR9 as of November 2010, just before its retirement :

• Recce/targetting pods: DJRP,^[18] Sniper^[18] and TIALD^[18]
• Air-to-air: AIM-9L Sidewinder^[18]
• Bombs: Paveway II/III/IV,^[18] Enhanced Paveway II/II+,^[18] 540 lb and 1000 lb iron bombs^[18]
• Air-to-ground: CRV-7 rocket pod,^[18] AGM-65 Maverick^[18]

The Litening 3^[18] and RAPTOR^[18] pods, ASRAAM,^[18] Enhanced Paveway III,^[18] ALARM,^[18] Brimstone^[18] and Storm Shadow^[18] were not qualified for use on the GR9. A GR9 in Afghanistan typically carried a DJRP, a Sniper pod, two Paveway IV and two of either CRV-7, Paveway IV or Maverick.^[18]

See also

• Harrier Jump Jet, an overview of the Harrier family
• Harrier Jump Jet family losses
  

Related development

• British Aerospace Sea Harrier
• McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II
  

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Boeing X-32
• Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
• Yakovlev Yak-38
  

Related lists

• List of active United Kingdom military aircraft
  

References

Note

Bibliography

External links

• Greg Goebel Harriers
• Photos of this aircraft on Airliners.net
• Photographs of Harrier G R Mk 7 deployed aboard HMS Illustrious
• Defense Industry Daily: AV-8B Harrier finding Success in Iraq (30 March 2005)

British Aerospace and BAE Systems aircraft Combat aircraft Harrier Harrier II Jaguar Sea Harrier Tornado Tornado ADV Typhoon Patrol and surveillance Nimrod Nimrod AEW3 Nimrod MRA4 Trainers Hawk Airliners/Transports ATP BAe 125 BAe 146 Concorde Jetstream 31/32 Jetstream 41 Jetstream 61 One-Eleven Drones (UAVs) Ampersand Corax Demon GA22 HERTI Mantis Phoenix Skylynx II Combat drones (UCAVs) Fury Taranis Development/Concept aircraft ATSF AFVG/UKVG P.125 Replica EAP

Harrier Jump Jet family and related aircraft Predecessors Hawker P.1127 · Hawker Kestrel · Hawker Siddeley P.1154 1st Generation Hawker Siddeley Harrier · BAE Sea Harrier 2nd Generation McDD-BAE AV-8B Harrier II · BAE-McDD Harrier II

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