Why did the RAF get rid of the Harrier?
The Harriers made their final flight last December. The Ministry of Defence said cuts predating the SDSR meant the Harrier force was too small to carry out operations in Afghanistan whilst maintaining a contingent capability for operations such as Libya.
Does the RAF still use the Harrier?
However, several aircraft were dispatched to patrol no-fly zones over Iraq from 1993 onwards. In 1994, the last of the RAF’s first generation Harriers was retired, the Harrier II having taken over its duties.
What does Gr mean Harrier?
GR General Reconnaissance (superseded by MR) Lancaster GR.III. GR Ground attack/Reconnaissance Harrier GR.9.
How many Harriers are in the Falklands?
Air campaign
| Sea Harrier FRS.1 | 1,435 sorties, 20 (+3) kills, 6 lost. |
|---|---|
| Harrier GR.3 | 126 sorties, 4 lost. |
| Vulcan B.2 | 5 sorties: 1, 3 May and 12 June; 21×1,000 lbs bombs – 31 May and 3 June; 4 x AGM-45 Shrike. |
Are there any airworthy Harriers in the UK?
One is at the Royal Navy Air Engineering & Survival School, Gosport and the other is at RAF Wittering in Lincolnshire. The Fleet Air Arm Museum, the RAF Museum and the Imperial War Museum each received one Harrier aircraft in order to preserve the UK’s military heritage.
What does Gr mean in RAF?
Role prefixes
| Prefix | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| FR | Fighter/Reconnaissance | Hunter FR.10 |
| FRS | Fighter/Reconnaissance/Strike | Sea Harrier FRS.1 |
| GA | Ground Attack | Hunter GA.11 |
| GR | General Reconnaissance (superseded by MR) | Lancaster GR.III |
When did the RAF retire the Harrier?
March 2011
British Aerospace Harrier II
| Harrier GR5 / GR7 / GR9 | |
|---|---|
| Introduction | December 1989 |
| Retired | March 2011 |
| Status | Retired |
| Primary users | Royal Air Force (historical) Royal Navy (historical) |
How many Harriers did the UK lose in the Falklands?
British Aircraft lost – Falklands War 1982. Starting with just 20 Sea Harriers, a further eight joined the Task Force by mid-May. A total of six were lost by accident or ground fire, and not one in air-to-air combat.
What is a Harrier GR9 used for?
The GR9 is the latest version of the Harrier, the world’s first fixed-wing Vertical or Short Take-Off and Landing (VSTOL) strike aircraft. The Harrier GR9 performs roles including close air support, air interdiction and Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance (SCAR).
What is the difference between the Harrier GR9A and Harrier T10?
The Harrier GR9A is an avionics and weapons upgrade of the uprated engined GR7As. All GR9s are capable of accepting the Mk 107 Pegasus engine to become GR9As. The Harrier T10 is the original two seat training variant of the second-generation RAF Harrier. The RAF used the USMC trainer, the TAV-8B, as the basis for the design.
When did the RAF get its first Harrier jet?
It officially entered service with the RAF on 1 April 1969 and the Harrier Conversion Unit at RAF Wittering received its first aircraft on 18 April. The aircraft were built in two factories—one in Kingston upon Thames, southwest London, and the other at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey—and underwent initial testing at Dunsfold.