|
Entered service |
1969 |
|
Crew |
1 men |
|
Dimensions and weight |
|
Length |
14.2 m |
|
Wing span |
7.7
m |
|
Height |
3.7
m |
|
Weight (empty) |
6.3 t |
|
Weight (maximum take off) |
11.8 t |
|
Engines and performance |
|
Engines |
1 x Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 106 turbofan |
|
Traction (dry) |
95.64 kN |
|
Maximum speed |
1 185 km/h |
|
Combat radius |
750 km |
|
Armament |
|
Cannon |
2 x 30-mm ADEN podded cannon (optional) |
|
Missiles |
4 x AIM-120B AMRAAMs or two AIM-120s and 4 x
AIM-9L/M, Can also carry ALARM missiles |
|
Bombs |
can carry bombs |
|
The versatility and
effectiveness of a maritime version of the Harrier were clear as
early as 1966, but it was not until May 1975 that the go-ahead was
given for development of a dedicated naval variant. Compared to the
RAF's Harrier GR.Mk 3, this introduced a new forward fuselage
seating the pilot higher to provide space for extra avionics which
included a Blue Fox multi-mode radar. The type was intended to be
multi-role, and gained the designation FRS for
fighter/reconnaissance/strike (for which latter role it carried a
lightweight version of the free-fall WE177 weapon).
The first of an
initial batch of 24 Sea Harrier FRS.Mk 1s for the Royal Navy flew on
20 August 1978. Subsequently, a further 10 were ordered, followed by
14 in July 1982 (seven of the latter replacing attrition in FAA
service, including the Falklands war) and a further nine in 1984.
The Indian navy was the sole export customer, ordering 23 Sea
Harrier FRS.Mk 51s.
The Sea Harrier proved of vital importance in
the conflict to regain the Falklands Islands in 1982, scoring 22
confirmed victories for no losses during air combat. The
shortcomings of the Sea Harrier highlighted by the conflict led to
an ambitious mid-life upgrade. On 19 September 1988, BAe flew the
first prototype conversion of the Sea Harrier FRS.Mk 2 (later F/A.Mk
2 and now designated Fa.Mk 2). This features a multi-function CRT
cockpit with hands on throttle and stick controls, increased weapons and stores
capability, Pegasus Mk 106 powerplant (based on the Mn 105 of the
AV-8B), and most importantly, a Blue Vixen radar in a re-contoured
radome. The radar allows compatibility with the AMRAAM missile for
beyond visual range engagements. On 24 December 1998, the last of 18
new-build FA.Mk 2s was delivered, this adding to the total of 31
machines produced by conversion from FRS.Mk 1 standard. Both Sea
Harrier variants saw extensive combat over Bosnia in 1996.
The Sea Harrier FA.Mk 2 was withdrawn from the Royal Navy in 2006
and replaced by the Harrier II.
|
Video of the BAe Sea Harrier STOVL
aircraft |
|
|
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