Sea Harrier Tamiya 61026 1:48

British vertical takeoff fighter Hawker Sea Harrier (Hawker Sea Harrier)

The Hawker Siddeley Harrier amazed the world with its unique ability to take off and land vertically using thrust vectoring from its powerful 8,000kg thrust engine. Originally tested as a concept in 1960, the aircraft went through many periods of testing and modification before being accepted by the Royal Air Force and other nations in 1974. Production Harriers used a Pegasus 6 or 11 engine with 8000 or 9750 kg thrust and was naturally is for the Royal Navy to find a use for this type of aircraft with its fleet air arm. Various political and financial considerations delayed the order for the "Navalized" Harrier until May 1975, when the Admiralty ordered an initial 24 aircraft plus one T.Mk.4 in 1980. The FRS.1 was easily distinguished from its land counterparts by a modified nose, featuring an elevated pilot's seat and Ferranti Blue Fox radar, plus a primary armament of Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles and AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The ASM Martel or Harpoon can be carried as an alternative to the Sea Eagle until the latter becomes operational. The first FRS.1 to fly was actually the initial production Sea Harrier on 20 August 1978 and the prototype model later in December 1978. The home of the Sea Harriers was designated Yeovilton Naval Base and they received the first aircraft in June 1979, where four days later intensive flight tests began with the "100/VL" squadron. until the latter starts functioning. The first FRS.1 to fly was actually the initial production Sea Harrier on 20 August 1978 and the prototype model later in December 1978. The home of the Sea Harriers was designated Yeovilton Naval Base and they received the first aircraft in June 1979, where four days later intensive flight tests began with the "100/VL" squadron. until the latter starts functioning. The first FRS.1 to fly was actually the initial production Sea Harrier on 20 August 1978 and the prototype model later in December 1978. The home of the Sea Harriers was designated Yeovilton Naval Base and they received the first aircraft in June 1979, where four days later intensive flight tests began with the "100/VL" squadron.

This IFTU unit was designated 700A Squadron in September 1979 and redesignated 899 Squadron in March 1980. Three "Through - Deck" cruisers were ordered for Sea Harrier operations: Invincible; Illustrious and Ark Royal, the first of which was commissioned in July 1980. All three ships are to be fitted with a "ski jump" to assist take-off with a full load, and this installation was also added to the command carrier HMS Hermes when he was assigned a Sea Harrier squadron. A small export order for Sea Harriers was placed by India in November 1979 for six FRS.51s and two T.60 trainers.

The Sea Harrier, along with the RAF's GR3 Harrier, were put through real combat trials during the recent Falkland Islands crisis. The British South Atlantic Force was built up with the addition of GR3 and FRS.1 Harriers, bringing the total strength of the jet to around 40 Hermes and Invincible aircraft carriers. Sea Harrier (FRS.1) has about 30% more response control for easier landing and better "over the nose" visibility; however, the GR3s of the RAF performed well in general operations during the conflict and both aircraft distinguished themselves to the greatest extent. Royal Navy Harrier aircraft during the conflict were painted in the new "toned" finish of dull navy blue, while RAF aircraft were in extra dark navy grey. With a cruise speed of mach .9 and a maximum speed of 1.25 and a landing speed of 0, 

By Tamiya