Harrier Jump Jet. Photo by Bob Franklin
The Harrier, the world's first vertical takeoff fighter evolved from the P.1127 project and the follow on from this, the Kestrel. The Harrier has gradually evolved through the GR1-GR3 and the AV-8A, the American version. Later aircraft were upgraded to the GR5, GR7 and the current Mk GR9. Other Mks of Harrier are also operated by the Indian Navy and Spain.
The Harrier has had a long and successful detachment of several years operating in Afghanistan, which it has recently returned from in time to celebrate its 40th anniversary at RAF Wittering. The Harrier is unrivaled throughout the world and plays a major part both on land and sea.
Harrier Jump Jet ZD437 at RAF Coltishall 2005 last Enthusiasts Day visiting aircraft
Harrier Jump Jet ZD437 at RAF Coltishall 2005 last Enthusiasts Day visiting aircraft
Harrier Jump Jet ZG503 at Shoreham Air Show 2009
Harrier Jump Jet ZG503 at Shoreham Air Show 2009
Harrier Jump Jet ZG503 at Shoreham Air Show 2009
Harrier Jump Jet ZD463 at Royal Air Force Waddington Air Show 2006
Images courtesy of Bob Franklin and Bruce Martin
No. 4 Squadron practice disbandment flypast at RAF Cottesmore - Friday 26th March 2010
Harrier diamond nine at RAF Cottesmore
MOD copyright
On Friday 26th March, a group of like-minded enthusiasts and photographers trekked the well-worn path through the approach lights, up to the perimeter fence to capture (for posterity) what turned out to be No. 4 Squadron's last diamond nine flypast.
Having braved strong winds and cold weather we were not disappointed. First to taxi for takeoff was a 100 Squadron Hawk (camera ship), followed by the nine Harriers, which took off and formed up before carrying out two diamond nine formations and landing back at Cottesmore.
Images courtesy of Steven Comber
Cottesmore Harriers
RAF Cottesmore became the home to the Harrier with the arrival of the two squadrons from Germany. Number 3 (F) and Number IV Squadron arrived in 1999, shortly followed by Number 1 (F) which we moved over from RAF Wittering.
It was planned for the Navy's Sea Harriers to move to Cottesmore, but both 800 and 801 Naval Air Squadrons disbanded and the Sea Harriers were retired. On 31st March 2006, 3 (F) Squadron disbanded and later in the day 800 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) recommissioned at Cottesmore, and in 2008 were joined by 801 to form The Naval Strike at Cottesmore.
Images courtesy of Bob Franklin
American Marine AV-8 Harriers
Images courtesy of Ginge Little