Hawker Siddeley Harrier
History of the Hawker Harrier
The Hawker Siddeley Harrier development began in the late 1950s with the Hawker P.1127 prototype, designed to explore the potential of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The key to its success was the Pegasus engine, developed by Bristol Siddeley, which featured four rotating nozzles to direct thrust.
In 1962, the Hawker P.1127 evolved into the Kestrel FGA.1, with nine aircraft built for tripartite evaluation by the UK, US, and West Germany. This led to further refinement and eventually the development of the production Harrier.
Hawker Siddely Harrier Versions
Harrier GR.1 & AV-8A
The Harrier GR.1 was the first operational variant of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier. The Harrier GR.1 entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1969. It was primarily designed as a ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft with vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities. The GR.1 was powered by a Rolls-Royce Pegasus 6 turbofan engine, which provided thrust vectoring through four rotating nozzles.
The GR.1 could carry a variety of weapons on its hardpoints, including bombs, rockets, and missiles. It was also equipped with two 30mm ADEN cannon pods. The GR.1 was later upgraded to the GR.1A standard with improved avionics and weapons systems.
The Harrier GR.1 represented a significant advancement in military aviation, offering unprecedented flexibility in deployment and operation due to its unique V/STOL capabilities.
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 731mph (1175kph) | 12200lb (5530kg) empty, 26000lb (11800kg) max | 25ft 3in (7.70m) | 47ft 2in (14.4m) |
Harrier GR.3
The Harrier GR.3 was an improved version of the original Harrier GR.1. The GR.3 entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1976. It was powered by a more powerful Rolls-Royce Pegasus 11 Mk 101 engine, providing 21,500 lbf (96 kN) of thrust.
The GR.3 featured improved attack sensors and electronic countermeasures compared to earlier versions. It had a distinctive “Snoopy nose” or “Pinnochio nose” appearance due to the Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker (LRMTS) system.
The Harrier GR.3 proved to be a versatile and effective aircraft, particularly in its ground attack role during the Falklands conflict.
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 731mph (1175kph) | 13535lb 6139kg) empty, 25200lb (11431kg) max | 25ft 5in (7.75m) | 46ft 10in (14.27m) |
Harrier FRS.1
The Harrier FRS.1 was designed as a naval short take-off and vertical landing/vertical take-off and landing jet fighter, reconnaissance, and attack aircraft. It was more commonly known as the ‘Sea Harrier’.
The Sea Harrier FRS.1 (Fighter, Reconnaissance, Strike) entered service with the Royal Navy in April 1980. Notable features included a raised cockpit for better visibility, plus it was fitted with a Ferranti Blue Fox radar for air defence missions. Early versions were equipped with AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles for self-defence.
The FRS.1 played a crucial role in the 1982 Falklands War, where it shot down 20 enemy aircraft while losing only 2 to ground fire. After the Falklands War, modifications were made to carry more Sidewinders and Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles.
India was the only foreign operator of the Sea Harrier FRS.1.
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 740mph (1190kph) | 14050lb 6372kg) empty, 26200lb (11882kg) max | 25ft 3in (7.70m) | 47ft 7in (14.50m) |
Harrier FRS.1 Model builds
Harrier GR.5
The Harrier GR.5 was the Royal Air Force’s first model of the second-generation Harrier II. It entered service in December 1989. It was based on the USMC AV-8B Harrier II but modified for RAF requirements. The GR.5 considerably differed from the USMC AV-8B in terms of avionics, armaments, and countermeasures.
Forty-one GR.5 aircraft were built, followed by twenty-one GR.5As. The GR.5A was a minor variant, incorporating design changes in anticipation of the GR.7 upgrade.
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 662mph (1065kph) | 12500lb5670kg) empty, 31000lb (14061kg) max | 30ft 4in (9.25m) | 46ft 4in (14.12m) |
Harrier AV-8B
The AV-8B was developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) in collaboration with British Aerospace (now BAE Systems). The AV-8B Harrier II is a second-generation vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) ground-attack aircraft.
Primarily used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), as well as the Spanish Navy and Italian Navy.
. Key features of the AV-8B included composite materials used extensively in the airframe. Larger wing with an additional hardpoint on each side. Elevated cockpit for improved visibility and redesigned fuselage and other structural improvements.
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 662mph (1065kph) | 12500lb5670kg) empty, 31000lb (14061kg) max | 30ft 4in (9.25m) | 46ft 4in (14.12m) |
Harrier T.2
- Two-seat training version for the RAF
- Lengthened fuselage to accommodate second cockpit
- Powered by Pegasus Mk 101 engine
- Featured a taller fin compared to single-seat versions
Harrier T.2A
- Upgraded version of the T.2
- Powered by an uprated Pegasus Mk 102 engine
Harrier T.4
- Two-seat training version for the RAF
- Equivalent to the GR.3 in capabilities
- Powered by Pegasus Mk 103 engine
- Equipped with laser seeker and radar warning receiver
- Reverted to short fin of single-seater
Harrier T.4A
Similar to T.4 but without the laser seeker
Harrier T.4N
- Two-seat training version for the Royal Navy
- Based on T.4A but with avionics similar to Sea Harrier FRS.1 (excluding radar)
Harrier T.60
Export version of the T4N for the Indian Navy
Harrier TAV-8A
- Two-seater training version for the US Marine Corps
- Powered by a Pegasus Mk 103 engine
- Company designation: Harrier Mk 54
- Eight built
Harrier TAV-8S Matador
- Export version of the TAV-8A for the Spanish Navy
- Later sold to the Royal Thai Navy
- Spanish Navy designation: VAE-1 Matador
- Company designation: Harrier Mk 54
