British Aerospace Harrier II

British Aerospace Harrier II. The British Aerospace Harrier II was a second-generation V/STOL jet attack aircraft, developed jointly by British Aerospace and McDonnell Douglas for the Royal Air Force. It evolved from the American McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II, incorporating significant British systems and weapons for NATO interoperability. The type served as a cornerstone of British expeditionary warfare and close air support capabilities until its retirement.

Development and origins

The origins of the Harrier II lie in the late 1970s, following the success of the first-generation Hawker Siddeley Harrier. The United States Marine Corps initiated the AV-8B program with McDonnell Douglas to create a more capable aircraft. Seeking to replace its own BAe Harrier GR.3 fleet, the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) opted to collaborate, leading to a unique bi-national agreement. British Aerospace became the major subcontractor, responsible for manufacturing key components like the rear fuselage and designing a distinct avionics suite. The partnership was formalized under the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and US governments, ensuring technology transfer and shared production lines. The first British development aircraft, a modified AV-8B, flew from Dunsfold Aerodrome in 1985, paving the way for the RAF-specific Harrier GR5.

Design and variants

The Harrier II retained the fundamental Pegasus vectored-thrust engine but featured a completely new supercritical wing made of carbon-fiber composite materials, greatly increasing fuel and ordnance capacity. The cockpit was redesigned with a single-piece bubble canopy for improved visibility. British variants were distinguished by their advanced avionics, including a Ferranti moving map display and compatibility with European weapons like the BL755 cluster bomb. The initial Harrier GR5 was followed by the updated Harrier GR7, which added night-attack capabilities with a forward-looking infrared sensor and night vision goggles compatibility. The final major upgrade produced the Harrier GR9, which featured improved mission computers, digital cockpits, and integration of advanced munitions such as the AGM-65 Maverick and Brimstone missiles. A dedicated two-seat trainer variant, the Harrier T10, was also built for conversion training.

Operational history

Entering RAF service with No. 1 Squadron RAF in 1989, the Harrier II quickly became integral to Britain's rapid reaction forces. It saw extensive combat during the Bosnian War and the Kosovo War, operating from bases like Gioia del Colle Air Base in Italy and providing crucial close air support. The aircraft's most intensive use came during the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), where Harrier GR7s and GR9s operated from Kandahar Airfield in demanding high-temperature conditions. The type also played a key role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, flying from the amphibious assault ship HMS Ark Royal (R07). A major fleet upgrade under the Joint Upgrade and Maintenance Programme extended its service life. The Harrier II was controversially retired in 2010 following the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010, a decision that generated significant debate in Parliament and left the Royal Navy without fixed-wing strike capability until the introduction of the F-35 Lightning II.

Operators

The primary operator was the Royal Air Force, which flew the aircraft from stations including RAF Wittering and RAF Cottesmore. Within the RAF, frontline squadrons included No. 1 Squadron RAF, No. 3 Squadron RAF, and No. 4 Squadron RAF. The Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm also operated the type, with units like 800 Naval Air Squadron and 801 Naval Air Squadron embarking on Invincible-class carriers. The only other European military operators were the Spanish Navy, which flew the EAV-8B Matador II from the carrier Príncipe de Asturias (R11), and the Italian Navy, which operated the TAV-8B trainer and later Harrier II Plus aircraft from the Giuseppe Garibaldi (551). The United States Marine Corps operated the related AV-8B Harrier II.

Specifications (Harrier II)

* **Crew:** 1 (GR5/7/9), 2 (T10) * **Length:** 14.12 m (46 ft 4 in) * **Wingspan:** 9.25 m (30 ft 4 in) * **Height:** 3.55 m (11 ft 8 in) * **Empty weight:** 6,340 kg (13,968 lb) * **Max takeoff weight:** 14,061 kg (31,000 lb) * **Powerplant:** 1 × Rolls-Royce Pegasus 105 vectored-thrust turbofan * **Maximum speed:** 1,065 km/h (662 mph, 575 kn) * **Range:** 1,400 km (870 mi, 760 nmi) * **Combat radius:** 556 km (345 mi, 300 nmi) * **Service ceiling:** 15,000 m (49,000 ft) * **Armament:** 2 × Aden cannon pods or 1 × GAU-12 Equalizer; up to 5,900 kg (13,000 lb) on 7 hardpoints for weapons including Paveway bombs, AGM-65 Maverick, and AIM-9 Sidewinder.

Category:Military aircraft of the United Kingdom Category:V/STOL aircraft