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The single-seat Harrier GR7 operates in the offensive support role. Fully operational with three front line squadrons and the Operational Conversion Unit, the aircraft carries forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) equipment which, when used in conjunction with the pilot's night vision goggles (NVGs), provides a night, low level capability. The GR7 has nine weapon stations, integrated avionics and self-defence equipment. Compared with its predecessor, the GR3, it has increased wing area, improved aerodynamics, and leading edge root extensions (LERX). These factors improve significantly the aircraft's survivability, its range and payload, and, with the ability to vector the engine's thrust in forward flight (VIFF), its manoeuvrability. Although optimised for low level operations at subsonic speeds, the Harrier is also ideally suited to medium level operations where it utilises its highly accurate angle rate bombing system (ARBS) which employs a TV and laser dual mode tracker (DMT). The Harrier T10, two-seat version of the GR7, came into service in 1995 and is fully operationally capable. |
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Powerplant: One Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 105 vectored thrust turbofan of 21,750lb st (86.7kN) Span: 30ft 4in (9.24m) Length: 46ft 4in (14.12m) Max Speed: 661mph (1,065km/h) Armament: Two 25mm cannon on under-fuselage stations. Up to sixteen Mk 82 or six Mk 83 bombs, six BL-755 cluster bombs, four Maverick ASMs, or 10 rocket pods on seven wing stations. Accommodation: GR7: Pilot only, T10: Pilot and pupil in tandem. Recognition: The sharply anhederal wing and tailplane, and the large air intakes of the Pegasus engine make the Harrier very distinctive. The undercarriage is also unusual, in that the main wheels and nose wheel retract in tandem into the fuselage and there are two outrigger wheels that retract into housings on the wing at about two-thirds span. The cockpit glazing is large and pronounced on all versions. |
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