Corgi AA29301 1/48 BAE Harrier GR7A, RAF No.1 Sqn, Operation Herrick

 

BAe Harrier GR7A, ZD437/49A 'Michelle', RAF No.1 Squadron, Operation Herrick, RAF Kandahar, Afghanistan, 2007.

 

Marking a significant development in the history of this magnificent aircraft, the Harrier II may have shared many visual similarities with its famous VSTOL predecessor, however, was actually a very different aeroplane altogether, one which owed much to the American McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Essentially, this new generation of Harrier was a completely different aircraft, a much more capable aeroplane in every respect and a space age development of this now familiar VSTOL Harrier theme. This programme would eventually result in the introduction of the much more capable British Harrier GR.5 in 1987 and further successive upgrades over the next couple of decades which would maintain the Harrier's position as one of the world's foremost strike/attack aircraft and one which possessed such unique attributes that it was described by many as being the most valuable fixed wing aviation asset available to any air arm in the world.

 

With increased range, power and weapons carrying capability, this new generation of Harrier was intended to strike hard and fast, often at the outset of any military contact engagement, before returning once refuelled and rearmed to support infantry units in their endeavours. Always on station and always in the thick of the action, is it any wonder why military personnel held the Harrier in the same affection in which the public always have. This upgrade development only served to enhance the legacy of the Harrier, with this later generation of aircraft regarded as arguably the most flexible aviation asset available to any air force in times of conflict and the one most likely to be deployed first.

 

Without doubt, the attribute which made the Harrier famous and cemented its place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts all over the world was its ability to take off and land vertically, a capability which gave the aircraft incredible versatility and making it something akin to a helicopter, but with the speed and striking power of a fixed wing jet. In truth, performing a vertical take-off in an operational situation was something which rarely happened, as this would use too much fuel, place a strain on the engine and not allow the aircraft to operate with anything like an effective weapons load. A rolling take-off would still see the Harrier taking to the air in a much shorter distance than traditional strike aircraft, but would also allow it to carry a much more effective weapons load and additional fuel.