The BAe / MDC AV-8S Harrier was the worlds first useable fixed wing V-STOL and vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Became a success thanks to the powerful Rolls Royce Pegasus engine.
The Harrier has proven it’s potential in the Falkland war where Harriers shot down 28 Argentine fighters without any loss on there side.
Within the next decade the Harriers will be slowly replace by the V-STOLL version of the F-35 Lightning II.
| Developing Nation: | United Kingdom |
| First Flight: | – October 21, 1960 (P.1127 Hovering) – March 13, 1961 (P.1127 first actual flight) – February 13, 1964 First flight of Kestrel – August 31, 1966 First developing Harrier – December 28, 1967 Harrier GR.1 – April 24, 1969 Harrier T.2 – August 20, 1978 First Sea Harrier FRS |
| Crew: | 1, Trainer 2. |
| Wing Span: | – 7,70 m – 9,04 m (with tip tanks) – 9,22 m (for the AV-8B) |
| Wing Area: | – 18,68 m (Harrier, Sea Harrier and AV-8C) – 21,37 m (AV-8B) |
| Length: | – 14,27 m – 13,89 m (AV-8C) – 14,5 m (Sea Harrier) – 17,0 m (Two Seater) – 21,37 m (AV-8B) |
| Height: | 3,55 m |
| Engine (s): | – Rolls Royce Pegasus turbofan (9752 kg/thrust) 1x – F402-402 (Harrier Mk 103, Sea Harrier Mk 104, AV-8C) – F402-404 (AV-8B) |
| Weight: | 5489 kg. 5783 kg. (AV-8B) |
| Max.Take off weight: | 11340 kg. 13494 kg. (AV-8B) |
| Max. Speed: | 1186 km/h. |
| Max. Range: | 5560 km. (incl. one in-flight refueling) 4633 km. (AV-8B without in-flight refueling) |
| Weapons: | – Two 30 mm. Aden cannons in pods. – Max. weapon load on 5 brackets: 2268 kg. (but Harriers have flown with as much as 3630 kg.) – Sidewinder, Sea-Eagle and Harpoon missiles AV-8B: has 25 mm. cannon and 9 brackets. |
| Extra: |
The countries that use(d) The Harrier:Great Britain RAF and RN. India Spain Thailand United States Marines. |
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