Harrier GR7
• Was a multi-role combat aircraft capable of vertical/short take off and landing.
• Was part of Joint Force Harrier, operating from land bases or aircraft carriers.
• Had a comprehensive weapons capability including bombs, rockets or missile.
• Could operate at night, at low level, using night vision goggles.
• Cockpit gave navigation and weapons information on colour displays.
The Harrier GR7 was a single seat, multi-role combat aircraft that is capable of operating in extreme environments and from a wide selection of locations, including deployed air bases and aircraft carriers.
| Engine | Rolls Royce Pegasus Mk 105 vectored thrust turbofan. Thrust 21,750 lbs. |
| Weight | Max STO 14,061 kg Max VTO 8,595 kg |
| Wingspan | 9.24 m |
| Length | 14.12 m |
| Height | 3.55 m |
| Max Speed | 575 kts (661mph) |
| Weapons | The Harrier could carry the following weapons: Paveway laser guided bombs, CRV-7 rockets, Maverick missiles, 1000 lb bombs, 540 lb bombs, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles |
Recent history
Following the retirement of the Sea Harrier, the Fleet Air Arm commenced operations with the Harrier GR7 and GR9 aircraft, within the framework of Joint Force Harrier (JFH) based at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland. JFH was a robust organisation that provided the necessary support and expertise for the Harrier, and acted as a parent for the UK’s three front line Harrier Squadrons: Naval Strike Wing, No1 (F) Sqn RAF and NoIV (AC) Sqn RAF .
The aircraft itself was a very different beast from the Sea Harrier. The GR7 was considerably more advanced in terms of construction, powerplant and avionics. Its cockpit ergonomics weree also a vast improvement on the old Sea jet. The GR9 built on the GR7’s strengths, introducing further avionics upgrades that aided the aircrafts overall capability. Of note, the GR7 and GR9 were not fighters! Although more than capable of looking after themselves, the aircraft were optimised for the close air support and strike roles and did not possess either a radar, or an integrated long-range air-to-air capability, they did however retain a high degree of flexibility that lent itself well to the current threat environment within which the Royal Navy is required to operate. The unique performance characteristics of the Harrier allowed continued operation from both ashore and afloat utilising existing platforms and infrastructure, and providing a bridge in capability pending the entry into service of the Joint Strike Fighter during the next decade.