Last flight of the Harrier

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#1 Post by **Kwackerz** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 11:09 pm

Was the other day..

Thought i would pass this pic on which i was sent at work.

At least I dont have to lay f****** Harrier landing strips any more..

BikerGran · #2 Post by **BikerGran** » Fri Dec 17, 2010 11:23 pm

Oh don't! Such a wonderful aeroplane - and virtually the end of our seaborne strike force. If my dad had a grave, he'd be turning in it. (he was Fleet Air Arm).

#3 Post by **Kwackerz** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 12:14 am

There's a close-up then.

Falcopops · #4 Post by **Falcopops** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 4:08 am

Sad day for an iconic plane, any new VTOL's in the pipeline?

Aladinsaneuk · #5 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:46 am

nicest thing about the harrier... the yanks spent billions trying to make a VTOL aircraft - then they gave up and bought the harrier under license.....

and I still have yanks telling me that the harrier was american....

HowardQ · #6 Post by **HowardQ** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 6:41 pm

It was a very sad day,
An incredible plane that could/should still be used for some years.

#7 Post by **Kwackerz** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:22 pm

Definately Howard. It can always be employed somewhere, either in a strike role or a defensive role, but i think it's the financial penalties that are the show stopper. It's an old airframe, old design and uses an old servicing schedule. It's costly compared to some of the modern machinery. Saying that the Panavia Tornado has to be on borrowed time too.. When that goes they might as well disband the RAF and send Biggles and Algernon across to the Royal Navy.

The focus is now with Eurofighter to take the battle onwards. Something it does very capably from what ive seen. They really are a formidable weapon. They will definately become the iconic aircraft of the next 20+ years, as the Harrier did previously

#8 Post by **Kwackerz** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 7:23 pm

Just thought i would include this clip in with this aviation subject, it was posted on RS v3 about 4 years ago but i think deserves another airing sheerly because the pilot is awesome.. Unrelated to the harrier or the RAF to be honest, but a thoroughly brilliant bit of display flying by a Pilotski..

http://www.crazyaviation.com/movies/CA_SU-30.wmv