Harrier aircraft technical specifications. British carrier-based vertical take-off and landing fighter-bomber Sea Harrier FA Mk.2. Wing and tail

The origins of the British fighter-bomber " Harrier"(Harrier) (English hound) lie in the mid-1950s, when in a number of countries of the North Atlantic Alliance aircraft engineers carried out experimental work to study the possibility of vertical take-off of an aircraft with a fixed wing geometry.

This task faced aircraft designers due to the fact that it was during these years that it became quite obvious that large air bases were very vulnerable to a potential attack by tactical nuclear weapons, so technological progress translated the task of reducing the area of ​​military air bases into a practical solution. In the UK, Hawker Siddeley, in close collaboration with Bristol Aero Engines, developed the first prototypes of an aircraft powered by a single Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbojet engine. The new vehicles received the designation “P.1127”, and later - “Kestrel FGA. 1" (Kestrel FGA Mk. 1). They became the “progenitors” of the multi-role fighter “ Harrier».

In 1970 the world's first Harrier plane with vertical takeoff and landing, it entered service with the 4th Squadron of the German Air Force, becoming one of the key factors in the confrontation between NATO and the Warsaw Pact countries in Central Europe. The new fighter had a unique ability to maneuver at any stage of flight, which gave it a significant advantage over other aircraft. If, hypothetically, a war suddenly broke out between NATO and the Warsaw Pact countries, then the Harriers could easily be dispersed in the most unexpected places, hiding in barns, large buildings of railway stations, supermarkets, warehouse complexes and other massive buildings that could be quickly re-
equip for hangars.

Everything necessary for the technical equipment of such places was included in the program of the Joint Rapid Deployment Forces. At the initial stage of development of the new combat aircraft, it was assumed that this fighter would be able to carry a small amount of weapons over a fairly short distance, but over time, the Harrier turned into a very formidable weapon. Harrier plane II GR. 7 (Harrier II GR.7), which was in service with the British Royal Air Force, could fly at any time of the day and at any time. weather conditions.

This fighter was armed with two 25-mm cannons and on slings could additionally carry up to 5000 kg of external cargo, including various types of bombs, short-range missiles, air-to-air missiles, which made it possible to use the aircraft as an interceptor, as well as photographic equipment for aerial reconnaissance or nuclear weapons.

The transformation of the Harrier into a powerful combat aircraft could not have taken place without the participation of the US Marine Corps. After American military pilots made test flights on these fighters in 1968, the United States ordered a modification of this aircraft from Great Britain, called the AV-8A. Combined with operational mobility, retaliatory strike capability, versatility and the ability to operate both at sea and on land, the Harriers were well suited to combat operations of forward-deployed forces. The new version of the AV-8A Harrier fighter was produced in the UK, but was then redesigned by McDonnell-Douglas and licensed for production in the United States. Further modification of the fighter for the needs of the US Marine Corps ensured a long future for the Harrier family of aircraft.

The new, significantly larger and more complex wing of the improved AV-8B Harrier II variant made it possible to use six weapons hardpoints instead of four, which, with one central under-fuselage node, almost doubled the aircraft's combat load compared to its predecessor; and the cockpit, equipped with the latest radio-electronic equipment, has become almost a “work of art.” The controls for the main systems of the combat aircraft are located on the top panel, located under the head-up display on the windshield. New avionics made the vehicle easy to operate, and the Hughes angular velocity bombing system, combined with a laser guidance system and target display on a television screen, ensured high accuracy in hitting objects. Further modernization of the A7-8B consisted of the installation of an on-board radar and night vision systems, which made it possible to carry out night bombing.

In 1982, the aircraft carriers Invincible and Hermes, together with the Sea Harrier carrier-based fighters, took part in the war between Great Britain and Argentina for control of the Falklands (Malvinas). islands. At first glance, it may seem that the Sea Harriers, with their subsonic speeds, were inferior in flight performance to the Dagger fighter-bombers and the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk light carrier-based attack aircraft. .

Argentine aircraft could fly at speeds corresponding to Mach number = 2. However, the Harriers easily adapted their speed to the speed of an aircraft carrier and could take off in any weather conditions, which was somewhat problematic for conventional jet aircraft. In combat, the Harrier pilot could change the direction of the plane's movement: either sharply raise the nose of the car to avoid being hit by a missile, or, by sharply braking, turning around or accelerating his movement, make the enemy miss during an attack.

In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, Harriers provided close air support for Marine units. Three squadrons and one air wing of 6 fighters operated from land-based air bases, while squadrons of 20 aircraft took off from aircraft carriers at sea. During the ground part of the operation, AV-8B Harriers II flew 3,380 sorties, thereby achieving more than 90% success of the operation.

The transformation of the Harrier into an effective fighting vehicle took several decades, although it was often a very difficult process. However, the effectiveness of a vertical take-off and landing fighter-bomber has been proven in practice, and the Harrier experience formed the basis for the creation of future combat aircraft, in particular the F-35 Lightning II.

Sea Harrier FA2 of 801 NAS in flight at the Royal International Air Tattoo

Development and production

Operation history

General design data

Engine

Flight-tactical characteristics

Armament

Small arms and cannon

• 2 × 30 mm ADEN guns with 130 pat. on the barrel (removable).

Guided missiles

• air-to-air missiles: AIM-9, AIM-120 (FRS.2), R550 Magic (FRS.51);
• air-to-surface missiles: ALARM, AS.37 Martel, Sea Eagle.

Unguided rockets

• 4 × 18 × 68 mm SNEB missiles.

Bombs

• free-falling with a caliber of up to 454 kg.

British Aerospace Sea Harrier(English) British Aerospace Sea Harrier) - British carrier-based vertical take-off and landing fighter-bomber. Created on the basis of the land-based Harrier aircraft. Was in service with the Royal Navy from 1980 to 2006.

History of creation

In the post-war period, the Royal Navy began to expand in parallel with the collapse of the British Empire overseas and the emergence of the Commonwealth of Nations, reducing the need for a larger fleet. By 1960, the last ship, HMS Vanguard, was retired from the Navy after less than fifteen years in service. Perhaps the biggest sign of the new trend towards naval rigor came in 1966 with the planned CVA-01 class large aircraft carriers, intended for the Royal Navy was cancelled; Seemingly ending the Navy's participation in carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft as World War II-era carriers, they were slowly withdrawn one by one. At this time, requirements in the Royal Navy began to take shape for a vertical and/or short takeoff and landing (STOL) carrier-based interceptor to replace the De Havilland Sea Vixen. Following the first V/STOL testing on a ship began with a P.1127 Hawker Siddeley landing on HMS Ark Royal in 1963.

Following their key role in the 1982 Falklands War, several lessons were learned from the aircraft's performance, leading to approval for the fleet upgrade to the FRS.2 (later known as FA2) Standard due to be introduced in 1984. The first flight of the prototype aircraft took place in September 1988 and a contract for 29 modernized aircraft was signed in December of the same year. In 1990, the Navy ordered 18 new-built FA2s, at a unit cost of approximately £12 million, four further upgrades were ordered in 1994, with the first aircraft being delivered on 2 April 1993.

Production

A second concept for the future of naval aviation emerged in the early 1970s, as the first of a new class of "through-deck cruisers" was planned. They were very carefully and politically appointed cruisers deliberately avoiding the term "aircraft carrier", in order to increase the chances of funding from a hostile political climate from expensive capital ships, they were significantly smaller than the previously sought CVA-01. These ships were ordered as the Invincible class in 1973, and are now widely accepted as aircraft carriers. Almost immediately after their construction, a diving board was added at the end of the 170-meter deck, allowing operators to efficiently operate a small number of V/STOL jets. Royal Air Force's Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR1s entered service in April 1969. A navalised version of the Harrier was developed by Hawker Siddeley to serve on upcoming ships, this became the Sea Harrier. In 1975 the Navy ordered 24 Sea Harrier FRS.1 (stands for "Fighter, Reconnaissance, Strike") aircraft, the first of which entered service in 1978. During this time, Hawker Siddeley became part of British Aerospace through nationalization in 1977. By then, the Sea Harrier prototype had been delivered to Dunsfold 20. In August 1978 the order was increased to 34. The Sea Harrier was announced for service in 1981 aboard the first Invincible-class ship HMS Invincible, with the aircraft joining the aging aircraft carrier HMS Hermes later that year.

Description of design

Vertical take-off and landing aircraft, single-seat all-metal high-wing aircraft.

Fuselage

Compared to FRS. Mk 1, F/A. The Mk 2 was externally distinguished by a less pointed antenna nose cone, a longer rear fuselage, redesigned antennas and external suspensions, and larger slats.

Wing and tail

The wings are fastened using 6 units installed in pairs on three frames. When replacing the engine, the wing will have to be removed. The vertical and horizontal tails were removable.

Chassis

When the engine is operating on the ground, the nozzle is deflected to a position corresponding to vertical takeoff or takeoff with a short run. The main landing gear is located centrally under the fuselage, 2 landing gear legs are located at the ends of the wing. This design made it possible not to take any special measures to ensure normal operation of the landing gear, taking into account the heating of the space under the fuselage by exhaust gases from the engine nozzles. The racks are equipped with a hydraulic control system that allows rotation to the right and left by 45 degrees. The nose wheel rotates freely 179 degrees.

Power point

The central section of the fuselage houses the engine and its components. The side air intakes of the engine are equipped with additional flaps in the front part of the shell, designed to increase air flow at low flight speeds, and also serve to drain the boundary layer along the perimeter of the cabin with an exit at the rear of the canopy. The additional flaps at the front are hinged and operate automatically between the inner and outer shock-absorbing stops.

Weapons and equipment

5 weapon suspension systems were installed. The main small arms and cannon weapons were 2 × 30 mm ADEN cannons with 130 pat. on the trunk. Also air-to-air guided missiles AIM-9, AIM-120 (FRS.2) and air-to-surface missiles ALARM, AS.37 Martel, Sea Eagle. It was possible to install unguided rockets 4 × 18 × 68 mm SNEB missiles.

Design

The Sea Harrier is a subsonic aircraft designed to fill strike, reconnaissance and fighter roles. It has one Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine with two strokes and four vectorable nozzles. It has two landing gear on the fuselage and two outriggers on the wings. The Sea Harrier is equipped with four wings and three fuselage pylons with weapons and external fuel tanks. The use of a ski-jump allowed the aircraft to take off from a short runway deck with heavier gear than would otherwise be possible, although it could also take off like a conventional loaded fighter without vectoring thrust from a normal airport runway.

The Sea Harrier is based largely on the Harrier GR3, but has been modified to have a raised cockpit with a "bubble" canopy for greater visibility, and a stretched forward fuselage to accommodate a Ferranti Blue Fox radar. parts have been switched to use corrosion-resistant alloys or coatings have been added to protect against the marine environment. After the Falklands War, the Sea Harrier was equipped with the new Sea Eagle anti-ship missile.

The Sea Harrier FA2 featured the Blue Vixen radar, which has been described as one of the most advanced pulse Doppler radar systems in the world; The Blue Fox radar was considered by some critics as having the comparatively poor performance that was available at the time of procurement. The Blue Vixen formed the basis for the development of the Eurofighter Typhoon's Captor radar. The Sea Harrier FA2 also carried the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, the first British aircraft to be equipped with this capability. An improved model of the Pegasus engine, the Pegasus Mk 106, was used in the Sea Harrier FA2; in response to threat to radar-based anti-aircraft weapons, electronic countermeasures were added. Other improvements included an increase in air-to-air weapons load, look-down radar, increased range, and improved cockpit displays.

The cockpit in the Sea Harrier includes a conventional center stick layout and left hand throttle. In addition to conventional flight controls, the Harrier has a lever to control the direction of four vectorable nozzles. The jets point backwards using the lever to the forward position for horizontal flight. When installing the rear jet lever from top to bottom for vertical takeoff and landing. The usefulness of the vertical landing capability in the Sea Harrier was demonstrated in an incident on 6 June 1983, when Sub-Lieutenant Ian Watson lost contact with the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious and had to land a Sea Harrier ZA176 on the forecastle of the Spanish freighter Alraigo.

In 2005, although already scheduled for retirement, the Sea Harrier was modified with An's "Autoland" system to allow the fighter to perform a safe vertical landing without pilot interaction. Despite the ship's pitching, creating a natural problem, the system was designed to be aware of such data and successfully landed at sea in May 2005.

Flight performance

Operational history

Commissioning The first three Sea Hounds were batch development and were used for design testing. The first production aircraft was delivered to RNAS Yeovilton in 1979 to form the Intensive Flight Trials Unit (also known as 700A Naval Air Squadron). In March 1980, the intensive Flight Test Group became the 899 Naval Air Squadron and would operate as the type's landborne headquarters unit. The first operational squadron of 800 Naval Air Squadron was also formed in March 1980 initially to operate from HMS Invincible before it was transferred to HMS Hermes. In January 1981, a second operation, 801 Naval Air Squadron, was established to operate from HMS Invincible.

Falkland Islands War Line of Sea Harrier jets standing to the left of the photo. In the distance is a tall, dull-colored warehouse. Sea Harrier at RNAS Yeovilton. The pre-Falklands War paint scheme seen here was modified, painting over the white undersides and markings along the route to the islands. Sea Hound took part in the 1982 Falklands War, operating from the aircraft carriers HMS Invincible and HMS Hermes. Sea Hounds played the main role of air defense with a secondary role of attack aircraft. RAF Harrier GR3s provided the main ground attack force, with a total of 28 Sea Harriers and 14 Harrier GR3s deployed in theatre. Sea Harrier squadrons shot down 20 Argentine aircraft in air-to-air combat with no air-to-air losses, although two Sea Harriers were lost to ground fires and four accidents. Of the total Argentine air losses, 28% were shot down by hounds.

A number of factors contributed to the failure of the Argentine fighters to shoot down the Sea Harrier. Although the Mirage III and Dagger Jet were significantly faster, the Sea Harrier was significantly more maneuverable. Tactics such as "Vectored in Level Flight" using a nozzle commonly used for vertical flight for braking and other routes have proven decisive in dogfights, although at least one authoritative source told Viffing was not used by RN pilots in the Falkland Islands. In addition, the Harrier used the latest AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles and Blue Fox radar. The British pilots had excellent air combat training, one manifestation of which was that they thought they noticed Argentine pilots sometimes releasing weapons outside their operating parameters. It is now believed that the Mirages were releasing external fuel tanks rather than weapons, and turning away from the conflict with the Sea Harrier. This later reduced their ability to fight an effective campaign against the Sea Harrier due to reduced range and lack of external fuel tanks.

Combat use

Falklands War (1982) During the war with Argentina, Great Britain used 28 Sea Harriers. According to official data, the British Harriers accounted for 31 Argentine aircraft (mostly Mirage III), without losses on their part. According to other sources - 21 air victories, with the loss of one shot down by Dagger (Mirage-5). A total of 6 Sea Harriers were lost during the war.

Yugoslav War (1994-1995, 1999) Royal Navy Sea Harriers were used to attack the Bosnian Serbs in 1994. On April 16, one plane was shot down and the pilot ejected, landing in Bosnian Muslim territory.

In 1999, during NATO's Operation Allied Force, British aircraft patrolled the skies over Kosovo, trying to block its skies from Serbian MiGs.

Literature and sources of information

Ilyin V. E., Levin M. A. Modern fighters. - Moscow: “HOBBYBOOK”, 1994. - pp. 12-15. - 288 p. - 15,000 copies. - ISBN 5-85561-014-4.

Image gallery

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Moving away from the holidays, as always, it is better to accelerate slowly. Of course, big holidays require rest and rehabilitation :-))) Mine ended without much casualties or destruction: I went snowboarding and visited the German Museum and its two branches (transport and aviation). Let us remember again Oshkosh 2010. One of the very interesting exhibits here was the Sea Harrier FA2. What is known about it:

As always, I use information from sites
http://www.airwar.ru
http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki
and other sources I found on the Internet and literature.

Sea Harrier FA2 is a modernized version of the carrier-based fighter Sea Harrier FRS Mk.1 created for the Royal Navy of Great Britain and the Indian Navy by the English company British Aerospace Military Aircraft Limited.

The main task of the aircraft is to provide air cover for the fleet, especially against low-flying strike aircraft armed with long-range air-to-surface missiles. The aircraft's design is optimized for air combat with secondary patrol capabilities and air-to-sea and air-to-ground strike capabilities.
cabin

Contract for the modernization of 29 Mk 1 into F/A. Mk 2 was signed by the British Ministry of Defense on December 7, 1988. And the first flight of the F/A. Mk 2 flew on September 19, 1989.

The nose landing gear is mounted on two high-strength titanium alloy units on the front and rear aluminum alloy beams. The stand is retracted against the flight into the space between the engine air intakes behind the rear sealed wall of the cabin. The nose strut is self-orienting, steerable, with a linkage suspension and one wheel located at the rear. The stand is equipped with a hydraulic control system that allows rotation to the right and left by 45 degrees. In self-orientation mode, the nose wheel rotates freely 179 degrees in both directions.
front chassis

Refurbishment began at Kingston in October 1990 and continued at Dunsfold and Brough. Delivery began on April 2, 1993. Sea Harrier F/A. The Mk 2s entered service in March 1995, arriving aboard HMS Illustrious. The first operational mission was completed on December 25, 1995. In total, by November 1998, 26 F/A were in service. Mk 2.
exhaust

F/A. The Mk 2 is externally different from the FRS. Mk 1 with a less pointed antenna nose cone, a longer rear fuselage, redesigned antennas and external suspensions and larger slats.

When the engines operate on the ground, the nozzles are usually deflected to a position corresponding to vertical takeoff or short takeoff. Therefore, the aircraft's landing gear has an unusual configuration with one main landing gear located centrally under the fuselage, landing gear at the wing tips, and a conventional nose gear. This design made it possible not to take any special measures to ensure normal operation of the landing gear, taking into account the heating of the space under the fuselage by exhaust gases from the engine nozzles.
underwing landing gear

The aircraft is equipped with a Blue Vixen pulse-Doppler radar developed by Marconi Electronic Systems. The radar is optimized for joint use of the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile launcher, which reduces the pilot’s workload and is protected from the effects of electronic warfare systems.

The aircraft is equipped with 5 weapons suspension systems based on the LAU-106A and LAU-7 multi-purpose launchers. The main weapon of the aircraft is the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile with an active radar seeker and a powerful explosive warhead. The range is more than 50 nautical miles, the missile's flight speed is 1.2 km per second. To intercept air targets at close range, the AIM-9M(L) Sidewinder missile is used. When performing strike missions, the aircraft can carry Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles (range - more than 50 miles, speed - 0.3 km per second) and ALARM anti-radar missiles.

The wing is fastened using six units installed in pairs on three frames. When replacing the engine, the wing is dismantled. This entire operation is completed in 5 hours 30 minutes. The vertical and horizontal tails are also removable.
wing

The Ministry of Defense is also considering the possibility of using more powerful Pegasus 11-61 engines instead of Pegasus 11-21.
tail

All aircraft are based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, where three squadrons are located: two combat and a training squadron, whose tasks are the training of young pilots and additional training (retraining) of flight personnel. The other two squadrons provide air wings for Invicible class aircraft carriers.

Our aircraft was built in 1979 as Sea Harrier FRS Mk.1 cn XZ439, this was actually the aircraft on which the entire series was tested, and also 912002/db2 mode s code 53217275 belongs to Nalls Aviation Inc, a Rolls-royce MK-104 engine is installed. This The plane was the first to take off from a ramp into the sea on October 30, 1980. In October 1989, it was the first to be modified into the Sea Harrier FA2 by installing the Blue Vixen pulse-Doppler radar and the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.

The Rolls-royce MK-104 that is on this aircraft is the Rolls-royce pegasus 11, it differed from the previous version 10 by increased air flow with a fan with modified blades. The exhaust gas temperature was increased to 1511 degrees Celsius. It had a service life of 800 hours.

In general, to understand the pedigree of these machines, you need to understand this: Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1/GR.3 and AV-8A are the first generation of the British Harrier fighter-bomber family. Developed in the 1960s, the Harrier was the world's first production vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Serial production began in 1967. It was in service with Great Britain, the USA and several other countries. The Americans ordered 102 Harrier aircraft from Hawker Siddeley. In the USA, the Harrier was called AV-8A (English designation - Harrier Mk.50).
Further development of the aircraft are the BAE Sea Harrier, BAE Harrier II, and AV-8B Harrier II, produced at British Aerospace (UK) and McDonnell Douglas (USA).
shield

The central section of the fuselage houses the engine and its components. This compartment has a U-shaped section, open at the top, which allows the engine to be installed or removed after removing the fairing and wing. The side air intakes of the engine are equipped with additional flaps in the front part of the shell, designed to increase air flow at low flight speeds, and also serve to drain the boundary layer along the perimeter of the cabin with an exit at the rear of the canopy. The additional flaps at the front are hinged and operate automatically between the inner and outer shock-absorbing stops.

The front pair of nozzles, through which relatively cold air flows from the fan circuit, is mounted on the fuselage using a large-diameter single-row ball bearing. The second pair of nozzles, intended for hot gases, is mounted on the engine using the same bearing and is not connected to the fuselage structure. The nozzles are rotated by a pneumatic motor from a horizontal position at an angle of about 100 degrees, changing the position of the thrust vector from propulsion to takeoff (90 degrees) and then to braking.

The fuselage skin immediately behind the rear engine nozzles is protected by a stainless steel shield with a low coefficient of thermal expansion. This screen is attached to reinforced points on the side surface of the fuselage with screws and anchor nuts, under which thermal insulation is laid.

Four air ducts extend from the high-pressure compressor from below - on the wing console to the landing gear fairings, where the roll control nozzles are located, as well as to the nose and tail of the aircraft. The tail boom has several nozzles: - for pitch control together with the nose one and for heading control. The thrust control system is activated when the engine nozzles are moved 20 degrees or more from horizontal during low-speed flight or vertical takeoffs and landings.

Electronic equipment includes a radar warning system Sky Guardian 200 from Marconi Electronic Systems, a jamming system - AN/ALE-40, a communication system - AD120 VHF Marconi Electronic Systems and AN/ARC-164, a friend-or-foe identification system AN/ APX-100 MK12 or PTR 446 IFF, AD 2770 Tactical Air Navigation System Tacan Marconi Electronic Systems and MADGE Microwave Airborne Digital Guidance Equipment from Thomson Thorn. For surveillance, an F.95 camera installed in the bow is used.
cabin

Initially, these planes had an informal nickname “Shar”, I couldn’t translate it!!! Tell me, what does this mean?

air intakes

In the next two posts we will look at cars made by McDonell-Douglas from the museum in Pensacola
Flight characteristics: Modification of Sea Harrier FA2 Wing span, m 7.70 Aircraft length, m 14.17 Aircraft height, m ​​3.61 Wing area, m2 18.68 Weight, kg empty aircraft 6616 take-off weight during vertical take-off 7992 take-off weight during take-off with a running start 10210 maximum take-off weight 11880 Fuel mass, kg internal 2295 in PTB 2404 (2 x 1500 l) Engine type and 1 turbojet Rolls Royce Pegasus Mk106 Maximum thrust, kN 1 x 95.6 Maximum speed, km/h. at an altitude of M=1.25 at sea level 1200 Service ceiling, m 15300 Range, km: with GDP 135 (this is a very strange figure and I still can’t understand how correct it is?) with take-off weight 9700 kg 795 Patrol time, min: with vertical take-off 24 with take-off run 155 m 72 Max. operational overload 7.8 Crew, persons 1 Armament: Combat load - 3855 kg on 6 hardpoints: 4 medium-range air-to-air missiles AIM-120V AMRAAM or 4 missiles AIM-9L Sidewinder or ASRAAM 2 anti-radar missiles ALARM or 2 anti-ship missiles Sea Eagle. 2 containers with 30 mm Aden cannon, 500 kg bombs

The Harrier is a multi-generational British vertical take-off and landing combat aircraft. Having first flown in 1960, it was in service with the Royal Air Force, US Marine Corps, Thai Air Force and Spanish Air Force for many years. All this time, the combat vehicle was constantly evolving, preserving already proven solutions and absorbing technical innovations.

Harrier GR.1 multi-role attack and reconnaissance aircraft with vertical take-off/landing

Harrier GR. Mk.1 is the first serial combat aircraft in world aviation capable of short or vertical takeoff/landing. The creation of the Harrier was preceded by long-term testing of the R-1127 Kestrel VTOL aircraft, created by Hawker Siddeley Aviation Limited (today British Aerospace). The prototype made its first flight on November 24, 1960. In 1967, serial production of the Harrier began. Two years later, the first combat squadron was formed, consisting of 12 aircraft and becoming part of the British Air Force.

The Harrier GR.1 was intended to support ground forces. In this regard, he had to have high maneuverability and operate in any climatic conditions at low altitudes (up to 3050 m). Maximum operational altitude – 13700 m. Design dive speed – M=1.2. The Harrier airframe is designed to withstand loads of up to 11.7d. The design uses alloys of aluminum, magnesium and titanium, as well as high-strength composite materials and steel.

The fuselage of the Harier attack aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft is made as a riveted continuous structure with two technological connectors. The pilot's cabin is located in the bow. Its rear border runs along the inclined partition used for mounting the ejection seat. The engine and components are located in the central section of the fuselage. In the front part of it, two fuel tanks (capacity 232 l) are symmetrically placed on each side. Another 473-liter tank is mounted above the main landing gear compartment. Between the engine nozzles there are two 177-liter central tanks. The wing caisson has two fuel tanks of 785 liters each. If necessary, drop tanks with a capacity of 455 liters and 1500 liters for long-distance ferry flights can be suspended under the wing.

The Rolls-Royce Bristol Pegasus 101 turbojet engine is attached at four points to the power frames of the central fuselage section. The nozzles are rotated using a pneumatic motor from a horizontal position by 98.5 degrees, changing the position of the thrust vector to takeoff (90 degrees) and then to braking. The position in space is changed using the engine as follows. Four air ducts depart from the compressor - to the tail and nose, as well as to the wing console, where the roll control nozzles are located. The tail boom has three nozzles: one (together with the nose) is used for pitch control, two nozzles are used for channel control. The thrust control system is engaged when the engine nozzles are moved 20 degrees or more from the horizontal position during vertical takeoff and landing or low speed flight.

The central section of the fuselage houses the rear and nose landing gear. The front landing gear is controlled by two hydraulic cylinders, which provide a 45-degree rotation. The equipment compartment is located at the rear of the fuselage.

The keel and horizontal all-moving tail have a conventional design made of aluminum alloys. The steering wheel is made with honeycomb core. The lower part of the tail has an air brake that extends to an angle of up to 66 degrees in flight.

The wing on the Harrier aircraft is continuous and is attached to the fuselage at six points. The design is coffered with two lower and three upper milled panels. The wing has nodes in four places for attaching pylons for combat load. Fuel tanks can be suspended on internal pylons. Containers of 30 mm Aden cannons with 130 rounds of ammunition (weight 205 kg each) can be suspended under the wing. The total combat load can reach 3.1 tons.

Later they released a modification of the Harrier GR. Mk.1A equipped with a Rolls-Royce Bristol Pegasus Mk 102 engine of greater power. Further development of the Harrier followed the path of developing a multi-role strike fighter with vertical take-off/landing. The first modification was the Harrier GR. Mk.3.

Adopted into service - 1969;
Wing span – 7.7 m;
Wing area – 18.68 m2;
Height – 3.43 m;
Length – 13.87 m;
Empty aircraft weight – 5530 kg;
Maximum take-off weight - 11340 kg;
Fuel in internal tanks – 2865 kg;
Fuel in PTB – 2x1500 kg;
Engine type – 1 turbofan Pegasus Mk. 101;
Engine thrust – 1x8610 kgf;
Maximum speed – 1360 km/h (at altitude);
Maximum cruising speed – 1185 km/h;
Practical range – 3700 km;
Combat radius – 1200 km;
Practical ceiling – 15000 m;
Crew – 1 person;
Weapons:
Combat load - 2270 kg;
5 hardpoints: 2 containers with 30 mm Aden cannons, 2 AIM-9D Sidewinder air-to-air guided missiles, 2 AS.37 Martel air-to-ground guided missiles, or 8 225 kg or 5 450- kg bombs, or 2 incendiary bombs, or 8 12.7 kg practical bombs, or 4 cluster bombs, or 4 Type 155 SNEB NUR launchers or 6 19x68-mm NUR launchers or 1 container with reconnaissance equipment.

Harrier GR.3 VTOL multi-role fighter

The multi-role fighter GDP GR.Mk-Z differs from the basic modification of the Harrier GR.Mk-1 by the upgraded Rolls Royce Pegasus 103 engine. Take-off thrust was 9753 kg. The fuselage has not undergone significant changes. During operation, it became clear that with a full combat load during vertical takeoff, the aircraft consumes too much fuel - which, however, is a common feature of all Harriers with vertical or short takeoff/landing. The standard equipment of the GR.Mk-Z includes an in-flight refueling system, a laser rangefinder and a head-up display.

Features of the vehicle: two 30-mm Aden cannons installed under the fuselage; aerodynamic braking device; possibility of suspension under the wing of Matra missiles.

The avionics of the Harrier GR.1 and GR.3 aircraft is based on the FE541 inertial targeting and navigation system from Ferranti. This system provides autonomous access to the target, aiming, launching missiles, bombing and firing guns. Also, the aircraft are equipped with VHF and HF radio stations, radar identification and short-range navigation equipment “TAKAN”.

The multirole fighter's small arms and cannon armament consisted of two detachable 30 mm Aden cannons. Under the fuselage and inside it there were 1821 kg of weapons. Combat load of external hardpoints – 2x454 kg. Guided missiles - 2 x AIM-9 air-to-air missiles. In blocks LAU 10 - 16 (4x4) unguided missiles of 127 mm caliber, in blocks LAU 68 - 28 (4x7) Hydra missiles of 70 mm caliber, in blocks LAU 69 - 76 (4x19) Hydra missiles. The aircraft could carry high-explosive free-fall bombs Mk.81 (5x119 kg) or Mk.82 (5x227 kg) or Mk.83 (2x460 kg), incendiary bombs - Mk.77 (5x340 kg) as well as 4 Mk.20 or 2 cluster bombs – CBU-24.

Since 1970, three squadrons in Germany and one in the UK have been equipped with Harrier GR.3 aircraft. The last combat unit to operate the GR.Mk-3 was the operational re-equipment unit stationed in Belize. Having served for almost 20 years, these vehicles were replaced by new modifications GR.Mk-5 and Mk-7.

Performance characteristics:
Adopted into service - 1970;
Wing span – 7.7 m;
Wing area – 18.68 m2;
Aircraft height – 3.45 m;
Aircraft length – 13.87 m;
Maximum take-off weight – 11430 kg;
Empty aircraft weight – 6140 kg;
Combat load during takeoff with a short run - 3600 kg;
Combat load during vertical takeoff – 2300 kg;
Internal fuel mass – 2295 kg;
Fuel mass in the tank is 2400 kg;
Engine type – turbofan Pegasus Mk. 103 (thrust 8750 kgf);
Maximum speed – 1350 km/h (at altitude);
Maximum speed – 1180 km/h (at the ground);
Practical range – 3425 km;
Service ceiling – 15200 m;
Combat radius - 520 km;
Crew – 1 person.

Multi-role vertical take-off/landing fighter Harrier GR.5

Since July 1987, the Harrier GR.5 tactical fighters with short or vertical take-off/landing began to enter service with the Royal Air Force. It differs from its predecessor, the Harrier GR.3, in its ability to carry a larger combat load and increased range.

The GR.5 fighter is designed to conduct aerial reconnaissance and provide close air support to ground forces.

The Harrier GR.5 is structurally a cantilever monoplane with a swept high wing, a bicycle chassis and a single-fin tail. A special feature of this aircraft is the widespread use of composite materials in its design. Their share is 26.3%. The non-separable wing has a thicker supercritical profile compared to the Harrier GR.3 wing. The wing span is increased by 20%, the area by 14.5%. Along the leading edge, the wing sweep has been reduced by 10%. Composite materials are mainly used to make the wing. Aluminum alloy is used for the leading and trailing edges of the wing and tips. According to British experts, an increase in the area of ​​the flaps and wing, and the use of hovering ailerons, which deviate at a certain angle depending on the position of the engine nozzles, improved the performance of the Harrier GR.5 when using an aircraft with a short takeoff.

At the same time, innovations introduced into the wing design led to an increase in drag, which was the main reason for the decrease in maximum speed by 80 km/h. It is believed that this reduction in speed can be eliminated due to minor changes in the interface of the fuselage and wing, as well as the design of the air intakes. The fuselage is slightly longer in comparison with the Harrier-GR.Z. The forward part of the fuselage is made mainly of composite material (graphite-epoxy), the tail and central parts are made of aluminum alloy. Titanium is used in the manufacture of two ventral heat shields and a small panel in front of the windshield. Between the main and nose landing gear, a “box” can be installed at the bottom of the central part of the fuselage, which consists of a retractable transverse flap and two longitudinal rigidly fixed ridges. The transverse shield is located behind the nose landing gear, the ridges are attached to the gun pods. During vertical takeoff and landing, the “box” captures part of the exhaust gases reflected from the ground. As a result, an air cushion is formed, increasing the lifting force by approximately 500 kg.

The single-seat cabin of a new design, with air conditioning, is made entirely of composite materials. The pilot's seat is located 30.5 higher compared to the Harrier-GR.3. Thanks to this and due to the use of a new canopy, the pilot receives a good all-round view.

The Harrier-GR.5 power plant is one Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.105 bypass turbojet engine with variable thrust vector direction (maximum static thrust is 9870 kgf). There is a 4 second (short-term) transfer to an increased temperature mode of engine operation at vertical landing. Compressed air from a compressor is used to power the on-board oxygen system and flight control system, as well as to pressurize the cabin.

The fuel system is largely similar to that of the Harrier GR.3, but by increasing the volume of the wing fuel tanks, the capacity of the internal fuel tanks reaches 4,200 liters, an increase of 45%. more than its predecessor. In addition, the GR.5 can be equipped with 4 external fuel tanks (each capacity is 1135 l). There is an in-flight refueling system.

Radio-electronic equipment includes noise-resistant VHF and HF radio stations, Kossor IFF 4760 radar identification equipment, Ferranti FIN 1075 inertial navigation system, TAKAN short-range navigation equipment, landing system receiver, digital computer of aerodynamic parameters, electro-optical indicator (data is displayed on windshield), Hughes Aircraft control system. The weapon control system ensures the use of various guided weapons, including weapons with a television or laser guidance system. The fighter is also equipped with an electronic integrated radio countermeasures and radio reconnaissance system, including an active jamming station, an AN/ALR-67(V)2 detection receiver, and an AN/ALE-40 IR trap and anti-radar reflector release device. A forward-looking infrared reconnaissance station can be installed under the forward fuselage.

The Harrier GR.5 fighter is equipped with 2 ventral cannon mounts with 25 mm Aden cannons (200 rounds of ammunition for each cannon). To accommodate other weapons, there are 9 hardpoints: 1 between the cannon mounts under the fuselage and 4 under each wing console. Two underwing assemblies, which are located in front of the underwing landing gear, serve to install launchers for short-range AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The remaining units can be used for hanging fuel tanks, bombs for various purposes and launchers of unguided aircraft missiles.

Performance characteristics:
Adopted into service - 1987;
Wing span – 9.25 m;
Wing area – 21.37 m2;
Height – 3.55 m;
Length – 14.12 m;
Maximum take-off weight – 13500 kg;
Empty aircraft weight – 6250 kg;
Combat load during vertical take-off – 3000 kg;
Combat load during takeoff with a short run - 4170 kg;
Weight of internal fuel – 3500 kg;
Fuel mass in PTB – 3700 kg;
Engine type – turbofan Pegasus Mk. 103 (thrust 9870 kgf);
Maximum speed:
- near the ground - 1100 km/h;
- at altitude - 1150 km/h;
Combat range - 520 km;
Practical range - 3825 km;
Crew – 1 person.

Harrier GR.7 VTOL tactical strike fighter

The Harrier GR.Mk7 is the most common Harrier model in service with the Royal Air Force. This aircraft is jointly manufactured by British Aerospace and McDonnell Douglas. The UK initially withdrew from the joint Harrier program, but then returned. The British Air Force required 94 vehicles, and the United States - more than three hundred. British Aerospace is the junior partner and is responsible for 40% of the work on aircraft destined for Spain and the US, and 50% for British aircraft. BAe was engaged in the manufacture of the stabilizer, tail and central sections of the fuselage, as well as rudders and fins of aircraft. The company also carried out the final assembly of British cars.

McDonnell Douglas specialists developed a completely composite wing for the aircraft, which made it possible to reduce its weight by 150 kg. The supercritical wing profile, which has a large relative thickness, made it possible to increase the fuel supply. The AV-88 wing is the largest single composite structural element ever used on a combat aircraft. The upper part of the wing was made removable for access to the internal compartments. Single-slot flaps are larger; there are bulges in the root part of the wing.

The RAF Harrier GR.Mk7 received Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 105 bypass turbojet engines (95.6 kN thrust). To eliminate the gyroscopic effect, the motor shafts rotate in opposite directions. Stabilization of the aircraft is ensured by valve-nozzles of the gas-dynamic control system, located in the tail and nose sections as well as on the wingtips. Installed on the Harrier GR.7, the front pair of rotary nozzles with a new design, modified air intakes and a lift-increasing system made it possible to obtain an increase in thrust.

The Harrier GR.Mk 7 also received upgraded avionics and a forward-looking IR system. The GR.Mk 7 is equipped with a noise-resistant GEC Avionics ADЗ500 radio communication system and a Cossor IFF 4760 gas detection system. The Ferranti moving map indicator has been retained. The AN/ALE-40 automatic weapon for shooting IR traps and dipole reflectors is mounted at the bottom of the rear fuselage; an additional BOL machine gun is located in the pylon. In the nose, under the fairing, there is an IR forward-looking system.

The tactical strike fighter was equipped with a new 25-mm ADEN cannon, developed by the Royal Ordnance state weapons arsenal. The lower rate of fire was compensated by the placement of two guns. The gun is a revolver type and has a rotating drum with chambers. Rate of fire – 1650-1850 rounds per minute. Hunting 8L755 cluster munitions became one of the main means of destruction of Harrier aircraft. The 227-kilogram cassette container contained 147 submunitions (small-caliber cumulative fragmentation bombs) placed in seven compartments. The cassette was opened using pyrotechnic charges, and submunitions were pushed out of its cylindrical compartments by a pneumatic mechanism at certain intervals.

Performance characteristics:
Length – 14.53 m;
Swing – 9.25 m;
Wing area – 21.37 m2;
Height – 3.55 m;
Powerplant – 1 Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 105 turbofan engine;
Thrust - 95.6 kN;
Empty weight – 6336 kr;
Maximum take-off weight – 10410 kr;
Total fuel supply – 8858 l
Maximum speed at high altitude– 1041 km/h;
Maximum speed at low altitude - 1065 km/h
Practical ceiling - 15240 m;
Take-off run for short take-off – 435 m;

Combat range:
- with vertical take-off – 277 km;
- during takeoff with a short run - 2722 km;
Crew – 1 person;
Armament: two Aden 25 mm cannons (total ammunition capacity: 400 rounds);
Nine hardpoints: 1 under the fuselage, 4 under each wing;
Maximum combat load:
- for vertical take-off - 3 tons;
- during takeoff with a short run - 4170 kg;
On two nodes in front of the underwing landing gear are launchers for AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air guided missiles.
On other nodes the following can be suspended:
4 AGM-65 Maveric air-to-surface guided missiles;
4 AIM-120 AMRAAM or AIM-9 air-to-air class;



various NUR launchers and bombs, as well as containers with electronic warfare and reconnaissance equipment.

Harrier GR.9 VTOL tactical strike fighter

The RAF Harrier GR.9/9a program has two main elements. The first element is an integrated weapons program designed for the unified use of a wide range of developed/modernized high-precision weapons. The second is the installation of a more powerful Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.107 engine.

The IWP forms the basis of GR.9/9a. The program builds on the capabilities of the GR.7 through the integration of the Brimstone and Storm Shadow air-to-surface weapon systems. The previously planned possibility of using the ASRAAM guided air-to-air missile was rejected. Although the use of these precision weapon systems is the basis of the IWP, the Harrier GR.7 requires numerous other improvements to make the most effective use of this weapon. This is mainly due to the need to use a modern MIL-STD-1760 control system associated with a new on-board computer and software. Precision weapons also require the use of a new inertial navigation system, GPS, which can provide navigation information to them. The aircraft is equipped with a more informative instrument panel and a warning system about the danger of approaching the ground.

The Harrier GR.9 made its first flight in 2001. Entered service in 2003. Existing Harrier GR.7s are planned to be equipped with IWP and upgraded to GR.9.

The Royal Air Force and Royal Navy each have two squadrons equipped exclusively with the Harrier GR.9. There is also a training squadron equipped with a two-seat version of the vehicle, which has an IWP but is equipped with a less powerful engine.

Performance characteristics:
Length – 14.30 m;
Height – 3.55 m;
Wing span – 9.25 m;
Wing area – 21.37 m2;
Empty aircraft weight – 6336 kg;
Maximum take-off weight – 14060 kg;
Engine – Rolls Royce Pegasus Mk.107;
Thrust - 10795 kgf;
Maximum ground speed – 1086 km/h;
Maximum speed at high altitude – 1198 km/h;
Ferry range – 3640 km
Combat range with external fuel tanks - 2700 km;
Combat range during takeoff with a short run - 1800 km;
Combat range during vertical takeoff - 280 km;
Crew – 1 person.
Weapons:
two Aden guns of 30 mm caliber (ammunition capacity of one gun is 200 rounds).
Maximum combat load – 4900 kg;
Nine hardpoints:
6 air-to-air AIM-120 AMRAAM or AIM-9;
4 Brimstone or AGM-65 Maveric air-to-surface guided missiles;
4 SeaEagle or AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles;
2 AGM-62 Walleye optically guided bombs;
2 containers with 30 mm caliber guns;
various bombs, containers with electronic warfare and reconnaissance equipment, NUR launchers;
Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

Prepared based on materials:
http://warplane.ru
http://www.airwar.ru
http://www.planers32.ru
http://vooruzenie.ru
http://www.dogswar.ru
http://military-informer.narod.ru
http://www.nato-aviation.ru