View source for British Aerospace Harrier II

{{short description|Multirole combat aircraft series by British Aerospace}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= Harrier GR5 / GR7 / GR9
 |image= File:RAF Harrier GR9.JPG
 |caption= An RAF Harrier GR9 over Afghanistan, 2008
 |type= [[V/STOL]] [[strike aircraft]]
 |national_origin= United Kingdom / United States
 |manufacturer= [[British Aerospace]] / [[McDonnell Douglas]] <br/>[[BAE Systems]] / [[Boeing]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight= 30 April 1985<ref name=Nordeen_p67>Nordeen 2006, p. 67.</ref>
 |introduction= December 1989<ref name=Nordeen_p67/>
 |retired= March 2011
 |status= Retired
 |primary_user= [[Royal Air Force]] (historical)
 |more_users= [[Royal Navy]] (historical)
 |produced=
 |number_built= 143<ref>Nordeen 2006, Appendix A, p. 186.</ref><!-- Note GR5/5As were upgraded to GR7s, later all GR7s were upgraded to GR9s. -->
 |unit cost=
 |developed_from= [[Hawker Siddeley Harrier]] <br/>[[McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II]]
 |variants=
}}

The '''British Aerospace Harrier II''' is a second-generation [[vertical/short takeoff and landing]] (V/STOL) jet aircraft used previously by the [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) and, between 2006 and 2010, the [[Royal Navy]] (RN). The aircraft was the latest development of the [[Harrier jump jet|Harrier]] family, and was derived from the [[McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II]]. Initial deliveries of the Harrier II were designated in service as '''Harrier GR5'''; subsequently upgraded airframes were redesignated accordingly as '''GR7''' and '''GR9'''.

Under the [[Joint Force Harrier]] organisation, both the RAF and RN operated the Harrier II under the RAF's Air Command, including deployments on board the navy's {{sclass|Invincible|aircraft carrier|1}}s. The Harrier II participated in numerous conflicts, making significant contributions in combat theatres such as Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The type's main function was as a platform for [[air interdiction]] and [[close air support]] missions; the Harrier II was also used for [[power projection]] and reconnaissance duties. The Harrier II served alongside the [[Sea Harrier]] in Joint Force Harrier.

In December 2010, budgetary pressures led to the early retirement of all Harrier IIs from service, at which point it was the last of the Harrier derivatives remaining in British service. In March 2011, the decision to retire the Harrier was controversial as there was no immediate [[fixed-wing]] replacement in its role or fixed-wing carrier-capable aircraft left in service at the time; in the long term, the Harrier II was replaced by the [[Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II]].

==Design and development==
{{Main|McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II#Development|l1=Harrier II development}}

===Origins===
Development of a much more powerful successor to the [[Hawker Siddeley Harrier|Harrier]] began in 1973 as a cooperative effort between [[McDonnell Douglas]] (MDD) in the US and [[Hawker Siddeley]] (in 1977, its aviation interests were nationalised to form part of [[British Aerospace]]) in the UK. First-generation Harriers were being introduced into [[Royal Air Force]] and [[United States Marine Corps]]; operational experience had highlighted demand for a more capable aircraft. The British government had only a minor requirement, for up to 60 Harriers at most and competing pressures on the defence budget left little room for frivolous expenditure such as the Advanced Harrier. A lack of government backing for developing the necessary engine of the new aircraft, the ''Pegasus 15'', led Hawker to withdraw from this project in 1975.<ref>Eden 2004, p.&nbsp;288.</ref><ref name=Jenkins_p69-0>Jenkins 1998, pp.&nbsp;69–70.</ref>

Due to US interest, work proceeded on the development of a less ambitious successor, a Harrier fitted with a larger wing and making use of composite materials in its construction. Two prototypes were built from existing aircraft and flew in 1978. The US government was content to continue if a major foreign buyer was found and Britain had a plan to improve the Harrier with a new, larger metal wing.<ref>Jenkins 1998, pp.&nbsp;70–72.</ref>{{#tag:ref|During the late 1970s, Britain had been planning to retrofit the RAF's existing Harrier GR3s to become 'big wing' Harriers, provisionally designated as Harrier GR5 but before the decision was finalised, the alternative option of cooperation in the US program was presented and ultimately opted for.<ref name ="jeff 80-82">Jefford et al. 2006, pp. 80–82.</ref>|group=N}} In 1980, the UK considered if the American program would meet their requirements – their opinion was that it required modification, thus the MDD wing design was altered to incorporate the British-designed [[leading edge extension|leading-edge root extensions]].<ref name=Wilson_p29>Wilson 2000, p. 29.</ref> In 1982, the UK opted to become fully involved in the joint US–UK programme.<ref name ="jeff 81">Jefford et al. 2006, p. 81.</ref> The US and UK agreement to proceed included a British contribution of US$280&nbsp;million to cover development costs to meet their own requirements and to purchase at least 60 aircraft.<ref>Gaines 1985, p. 148.</ref>

The UK agreement included the involvement of British Aerospace (BAe) as a major subcontractor, manufacturing sections such as the rear fuselage for all customers of the AV-8B. The Harrier II was an Anglicised version of the AV-8B, British Aerospace producing the aircraft as the prime contractor, with McDonnell Douglas serving as a sub-contractor; final assembly work was performed at [[Dunsfold]], [[England]].<ref name ="jeff 81-82">Jefford et al. 2006, pp. 81–82.</ref> The first prototype flew in 1981, first BAe-built development GR5 flew for the first time on 30 April 1985 and the aircraft entered service in July 1987. The GR5 had many differences from the USMC AV-8B Harriers, such as avionics fit, armaments and equipment; the wing of the GR5 featured a stainless steel leading edge, giving it different flex characteristics from the AV-8B.<ref>"Aerospace, Volume 20." ''Royal Aeronautical Society,'' 1993, p. 14.</ref> In December 1989, the first RAF squadron to be equipped with the Harrier II was declared operational.<ref name ="Nordeen 68">Nordeen 2006, p. 68.</ref>

===Description and role===
[[File:RAF British Aerospace Harrier GR9 Lofting-2.jpg|thumb|RAF Harrier GR9 in flight, 2010]]
The Harrier II is an extensively modified version of the first generation Harrier GR1/GR3 series. The original aluminium alloy [[fuselage]] was replaced with one made extensively of [[Composite material|composites]], providing significant weight reduction and increased payload or range. A new one-piece wing provides around 14 per cent more area and increased thickness. The wing and leading-edge root extensions allows for a 6,700-pound (3,035&nbsp;kg) payload increase over a 1,000&nbsp;ft (300&nbsp;m) takeoff compared with the first generation Harriers.<ref name=Wilson_pp26-7>Wilson 2000, pp.&nbsp;26–27.</ref><ref name=Walker_p24-5>Walker 1986, pp. 24–25.</ref> The RAF's Harrier IIs feature an additional missile pylon in front of each wing landing gear, as well as strengthened [[leading edge]]s on the wings in order to meet higher [[bird strike]] requirements.<ref name=Jenkins_88-9>Jenkins 1998, pp. 88–89.</ref> Among the major differences with the American cousin, was the new ZEUS [[Electronic countermeasure]] (ECM) system, also proposed for the USMC AV-8 (which retained, after an evaluation, the original ALQ-164). ZEUS was one of the main systems in the British design, being a modern and costly apparatus, with an estimated cost of $1.7 million per set.<ref>[http://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_old_pdf.cfm?ARC_ID=755 ZEUS ECM system page] www.forecastinternational.com</ref>

The Harrier II's cockpit has day and night operability and is equipped with [[head-up display]] (HUD), two head-down displays known as multi-purpose colour displays (MPCD), a digital moving map, an [[inertial navigation system]] (INS), and a [[HOTAS|hands-on-throttle-and-stick system]] (HOTAS).<ref name=Jenkins_p76-7>Jenkins 1998, pp.&nbsp;76–77.</ref><ref>Nordeen 2006, pp.&nbsp;119–120.</ref> Like the [[British Aerospace Sea Harrier]], the Harrier II used an elevated [[bubble canopy]] to provide a significantly improved all-round view.<ref name=Walker_p23-5>Walker 1986, pp. 23–25.</ref> A combination of the new design of the control system and the greater [[Wiktionary:Lateral#Adjective|lateral]] stability of the aircraft made the Harrier II fundamentally easier to fly than the first generation Harrier GR1/GR3 models.<ref name=Walker_p24>Walker 1986, p. 24.</ref>

{{External media|topic= |width=20% |float=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8bmk4yZAJI Footage of Harrier II HUD during flight] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61ZD8AQ_LZ4 Harrier GR9 flight demonstration] |video3=}}
The RAF used Harriers in the [[ground attack]] and [[reconnaissance]] roles, so they relied on the short-range [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] missile for air combat. The Sidewinder had proven effective for Royal Navy's Sea Harriers against Argentinian [[Dassault Mirage III|Mirages]] in the [[Falklands War]]; however, from 1993 the Sea Harrier FA2 could also carry the much longer-range [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]], a radar-guided missile. The Sea Harrier had a radar since its introduction and the USMC later equipped their AV-8B Harriers with a radar as part of the AV-8B+ upgrade; however Britain's Harrier IIs never carried a radar. When the Sea Harrier was retired, it was suggested that its [[Blue Vixen]] radar could be transferred to the Harrier IIs. However, the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] rejected this as risky and too expensive; the [[Armed Forces Minister]] [[Adam Ingram (Labour politician)|Adam Ingram]] estimated that the cost would be in excess of £600&nbsp;million.<ref>{{citation |title=Harrier Aircraft  |date=5 January 2004 |work=House of Commons Written Answers |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/cm040105/text/40105w06.htm#40105w06.html_sbhd8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409013614/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/vo040105/text/40105w06.htm |archive-date=9 April 2008 |at=Column 25W}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|The option of equipping several Harrier IIs with the Sea Harrier's [[Blue Vixen]] radar was actively studied by [[Ferranti]], however it was found to have involved considerable expense and have required significant development work to successfully integrate the radar; at the same time, the need to provide a dedicated seaborne air superiority capability had not been judged to be a high priority to justify such expenditure.<ref name ="jeff 109-111">Jefford et al. 2006, pp. 109–111.</ref>|group=N}}

===Further developments===
Even prior to the Harrier GR5 entering service, it was clear that alterations were required for the aircraft to be more capable in the [[interdictor]] role. A more advanced model, designated as the Harrier GR7, was developed primarily to add a night-time operational capability and avionics improvements.<ref>Polmar 2005, p. 400.</ref>{{#tag:ref|Group Captain Andy Golledge described the Harrier GR7 as being "a truly multi-mission offensive-support aircraft able to conduct air interdiction, close air support, presence, and tactical reconnaissance... importantly, the GR7 can perform any combination of these four mission types during a single sortie".<ref name ="jeff 94">Jefford et al. 2006, p. 94.</ref>|group=N}} The GR7 development programme operated in conjunction with a similar USMC initiative upon its AV-8B Harrier fleet.<ref>Elliot 1990, p. 56.</ref><ref>''Flight International'' 1986, p. 10.</ref> Additional avionics include a nose-mounted [[forward-looking infrared]] (FLIR) and [[night vision goggle]]s, a [[missile approach warning system]] (MAW),<ref>{{Cite web |date=1993 |title=Missile Approach Warner and Advanced Missile Detection System, PVS2000 |url=https://cdn.rochesteravionicarchives.co.uk/img/catalog/4_MAW_%26_AMIDS_%28A-1b%29.pdf |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=rochester avionic archives}}</ref> an [[electronic countermeasures]] suite, new cockpit displays and a replacement moving map system.<ref>Elliot 1990, pp. 54, 56–57.</ref> The GR7 conducted its maiden flight in May 1990 and entered service in August 1990.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130602141706/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-8900915.html "Night Harrier to enter RAF service in August."] ''Defense Daily'', 13 April 1990.</ref> Following the full delivery of 34 Harrier GR7s in 1991, all of the GR5s underwent avionics upgrades to become GR7s as well.<ref>Elliot 1990, pp. 56–57.</ref>

[[File:Luis Holden Defence Images Photo 10.jpg|thumb|left|RAF Harrier II flying above [[RAF Akrotiri]], [[Cyprus]], 2010]]
Some GR7s were equipped with uprated [[Rolls-Royce Pegasus]] engines, correspondingly redesignated as GR7A; these Harriers had significantly improved takeoff and landing capabilities, and could carry greater payloads.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/harrier-high-206520/ "Harrier high."] ''Flightglobal'', 9 May 2006.</ref>{{#tag:ref|The adoption of the uprated Pegasus Mk 107 engine removed several environmental limitations previously imposed upon the Harrier II; in hot environments such as the [[Persian Gulf]] the take-off and landing performance could become insufficient for carrier operations.<ref name ="jeff 97">Jefford et al. 2006, p. 97.</ref>|group=N}} In order to guide laser-guided bombs, from 1998 onwards a number of [[TIALD]] laser designator pods were made available to the Harrier II fleet, however these proved to be extremely scarce and often unavailable for pilot training.<ref name ="jeff 95-96">Jefford et al. 2006, pp. 95–96.</ref> In response to difficulties experienced while communicating with [[NATO]] aircraft during the 1999 [[Kosovo War]], the GR7s were upgraded with encrypted communications equipment.<ref name ="jeff 96">Jefford et al. 2006, p. 96.</ref>

A further major upgrade programme from the GR7 standard was conducted; the Harrier GR9. The GR9 was developed via the Joint Update and Maintenance Programme (JUMP), which significantly upgraded the Harrier fleet's avionics, communications systems, and weapons capabilities during scheduled periods of maintenance in an incremental manner.<ref name=DM>{{cite journal|title=The great GR9 journey |url=http://www.defencemanagement.com/article.asp?id=329&content_name=Aviation&article=9493 |journal=Defence Management Journal |issue=40 |year=2008 |access-date=20 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722100522/http://www.defencemanagement.com/article.asp?id=329&content_name=Aviation&article=9493 |archive-date=22 July 2011  }}</ref> The upgrade also replaced the composite rear fuselage of the GR7 with one made of metal which was less vulnerable to damage from engine vibrations.<ref>Winchester 2008, p. 46</ref> The first of the incremental improvements started with software upgrades to the communications, ground proximity warning and navigation systems, followed by the integration of the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile.<ref name=DM /> Capability C added the RAF's Rangeless Airborne Instrumentation Debriefing System (RAIDS), Raytheon's Successor Identification Friend or Foe (SIFF) system and the Paveway guided bombs.<ref name=DM /> The Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod (DJRP) was added as part of Capability D.<ref name=DM />

In February 2007, handling trials of the MBDA [[Brimstone (missile)]] began,<ref name=DM /> however the Brimstone would remain uncleared for deployment on the GR9 by the type's early retirement.<ref name=Hansard>{{citation | url=http://services.parliament.uk/hansard/Lords/ByDate/20101111/writtenanswers/part004.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122181802/http://services.parliament.uk/hansard/Lords/ByDate/20101111/writtenanswers/part004.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=22 November 2011 | title=11 November 2010 Written Answers | journal=Lords Hansard | publisher=UK Parliament | date=11 November 2010 | access-date=20 March 2011 }}</ref> The [[Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod|Sniper]] targeting pod replaced the less accurate TIALD in 2007, under an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) for Afghanistan.<ref name=DM />{{#tag:ref|In the Afghan theatre, the TIALD pod's [[forward looking infrared]] (FLIR) had proven to have too low a resolution for the urban close air support missions, often being unable to distinguish between enemy and friendly coalition ground troops. The Sniper pod was reportedly capable of identifying weapons caches and even individuals carrying weapons from a safe altitude.<ref name="harrier force RAF">[http://www.raf.mod.uk/currentoperations/harrierforce.cfm "Harrier Force."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814172229/http://www.raf.mod.uk/currentoperations/harrierforce.cfm |date=14 August 2014 }} ''Royal Air Force'', Retrieved: 22 April 2014.</ref>|group=N}}  Capability E would have included a [[Link 16]] communications link,<ref name=DM /><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130602131336/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-375812391.html "Harrier rearms."] ''Professional Engineering Magazine'', 25 June 2003.</ref> an auxiliary communications system, and a Tactical Information Exchange Capability (TIEC) system that was planned to by deployed on both the Harrier II and the Tornado GR4.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-uks-gr9-harriers-to-add-capability-e-04601 "The UK's GR9 Harriers to Add 'Capability E'."] ''Defense Industry Daily'', 16 January 2008.</ref> In July 2007, BAE Systems completed the final of seven Harrier GR9 replacement rear fuselages for the MoD. The fuselage components were designed and built as part of a three-year £20&nbsp;million programme.<ref>{{citation | url=http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_10773163045.html | title=Harrier Replacement Rear Fuselage Programme Concluded Successfully | publisher=BAE Systems | date=31 July 2007 | access-date=3 August 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905172730/http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_10773163045.html | archive-date=5 September 2010 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In July 2008, [[Qinetiq]] was awarded a contract to perform upgrades and maintain the Harrier II fleet until 2018, which was the predicted out of service date for the type.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130602140826/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1531826531.html "Qinetiq will keep ageing RAF Harriers in the air."] ''Professional Engineering Magazine'', 9 July 2008.</ref>

==Operational history==

===Combat duties===
[[File:British Aerospace Harrier GR5, UK - Air Force AN0964385.jpg|thumb|Harrier GR5 during a display at [[Bournemouth Airport]], 1990]]

The first squadrons to receive the Harrier II were based in [[Royal Air Force Germany]], a standing force maintained to deter Soviet aggression against the West and, in the event of war, to carry out ground attacks. As the Harrier II had significantly greater range and survivability than its predecessor the [[Hawker Siddeley Harrier]], a new emphasis was placed on [[interdiction]] operations.<ref>Nordeen 2006, pp. 68–69.</ref> By the end of 1990, the Harrier II was approaching full operational status with several squadrons.<ref>Nordeen 2006, p. 69.</ref> During the 1991 [[Gulf War]], the Harrier II was considered to be too immature to be deployed. However, several aircraft were dispatched to patrol [[Iraqi no-fly zones|no-fly zones]] over [[Iraq]] from 1993 onwards.<ref name ="jeff 93">Jefford et al. 2006, p. 93.</ref> In 1994, the last of the RAF's first generation Harriers was retired, the Harrier II having taken over its duties.<ref name=Jenkins_88-9/>

In 1995, hostilities between ethnic [[Croats|Croatians]] and [[Serbs|Serbians]] in the aftermath of the collapse of [[Yugoslavia]] led to the dispatch of [[NATO]] forces to the region as a deterrent to further escalations in violence. A squadron of Harrier IIs was stationed at [[Gioia del Colle Air Base]] in Italy, relieving an earlier deployment of RAF [[SEPECAT Jaguar]]s.<ref>Nordeen 2006, pp. 105–106.</ref> Both attack and reconnaissance missions were carried out by the Harriers, which had been quickly modified to integrate [[GPS]] navigation for operations in the theatre. More than 126 strike sorties were carried out by Harrier IIs, often assisted by Jaguar fighter-bombers acting as designators for laser-guided bombs such as the [[Paveway II]].<ref>Nordeen 2006, pp. 107–108.</ref> Bosnia was reportedly the first air campaign in which the majority of ordnance expended was precision-guided.<ref name ="jeff 94"/>

In June 1994, the newly introduced GR7 was deployed for trials on board the Navy's {{sclass|Invincible|aircraft carrier}}s. Operational naval deployments began in 1997.{{#tag:ref|According to Royal Navy Commander Toby Elliott, he had faced considerable internal opposition over the introduction of the Harrier II to the navy's aircraft carriers due to inter-service rivalries.<ref name ="jeff 62-63">Jefford et al. 2005, pp. 62–63.</ref>|group=N}} The capability soon proved useful: in 1998, a deployment was conducted to Iraq via aircraft carriers stationed in the [[Persian Gulf]]. In 2000, 'presence' and reconnaissance sorties over [[Sierra Leone]] were performed by carrier-based Harrier GR7s<ref>Jefford et al. 2005, pp. 93–94, 100.</ref> and Royal Navy Sea Harrier FA2s.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Sea Harrier: The Last All-British Fighter|last=Hunter|first=Jamie|publisher=Midland Publishing|year=2005|isbn=1-85780-207-1|pages=108}}</ref> The ''Invincible''-class carriers also received multiple adaptations for greater compatibility with the Harrier II, including changes to the communications, lighting and flight deck.<ref name ="jeff 104-105">Jefford et al. 2005, pp. 104–105.</ref>

Cooperative operations between the two services was formalised under the [[Joint Force Harrier]] (JFH) command organisation, which was brought about following the 1998 Strategic Defence Review.<ref name ="jeff 101">Jefford et al. 2005, p. 101.</ref> Under JFH, RAF Harrier IIs would routinely operate alongside the Royal Navy's Sea Harriers.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/284369.stm "RAF and Navy plan 'Joint Force' merger."] BBC News, 23 February 1999.</ref> The main JFH operating base was [[RAF Cottesmore]], a great emphasis was placed on inter-service interaction across the organisation.<ref name ="jeff 102-104">Jefford et al. 2005, pp. 102–104.</ref> The combined Joint Force Harrier served as the basis for future expeditionary warfare and naval deployments.<ref name ="jeff 63">Jefford et al. 2005, p. 63.</ref> In the long term, JFH also served as a pilot scheme for the joint operation of the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II]].<ref>Jefford et al. 2005, pp. 101, 106.</ref>

During [[Operation Allied Force]], the NATO mission over Kosovo in 1999, the RAF contribution included 16 [[Panavia Tornado]]s and 12 Harrier GR7s.<ref>Norton-Taylor, Richard. [https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/apr/25/balkans "RAF 'nearly ran out of bombs' in Kosovo."] ''The Guardian'', 25 April 2000.</ref> On 27 April 1999, during a mission to attack a Serbian military depot, RAF Harriers came under heavy anti-aircraft fire, but did not suffer losses as a result.<ref>"Harrier pilots come under heavy fire." ''The Herald'', 28 April 1999.</ref> In April 1999, the [[rules of engagement]] were changed to allow Harriers to use GPS navigation and targeting during medium-altitude bombing missions.<ref>Beaver, Paul. [https://web.archive.org/web/20130602142151/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-18690951.html "RAF Harrier pilots are given the go-ahead to bomb through clouds."] ''The Scotsman'', 13 April 1999.</ref> A total of 870 Harrier II sorties were carried out during the 78-day bombing campaign.<ref name ="jeff 93"/> The BBC reported the Harrier II had been achieving 80% direct hit rate during the conflict; a later Parliamentary Select Committee found that 24% of munitions expended in the theatre by all RAF aircraft had been precision weapons.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/303621.stm "Britain's best in Kosovo action."] BBC News, 16 April 1999.</ref><ref>[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmselect/cmdfence/347/34714.htm "Select Committee on Defence Fourteenth Report ."] House of Commons, 23 October 2000.</ref>

In 2003, the Harrier GR7 played a prominent role during [[Operation Telic]], the UK contribution to the U.S.-led [[Iraq War]].<ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=KC&p_theme=kc&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F9EBF21112EF6F4&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "War roars back to Persian Gulf."] ''Kansas City Star'', 20 March 2003.</ref> When war broke out, Harriers flew reconnaissance and strike missions inside Southern Iraq, reportedly to destroy [[Scud]] missile launchers to prevent their use against neighbouring Kuwait.<ref>[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_21-3-2003_pg1_1 "US, UK forces enter Iraq in Gulf War II."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016022154/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_21-3-2003_pg1_1 |date=16 October 2012 }} ''Daily Times'', 21 March 2003.</ref> Prior to the war, the Harriers had been equipped with a new armament, the [[AGM-65 Maverick]] missile, which reportedly was a noticeable contribution to the Harrier's operations over Iraq;<ref>Eason, Gary. [https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2956787.stm "UK troops 'lived up to expectations."] BBC News, 17 April 2003.</ref> a total of 38 Mavericks were launched during the campaign.<ref name ="jeff 95">Jefford et al. 2006, p. 95.</ref>

During the [[Battle of Basra (2003)|Battle of Basra]], a key Iraqi city, Harriers conducted multiple strike missions against Iraqi fuel depots to cripple enemy ground vehicles;<ref>Parker, Simon. [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/mar/30/iraq.simonparker "British troops launch raids on Basra."] ''The Guardian'', 30 March 2003.</ref> other priority targets for the Harriers included tanks, boats, and artillery.<ref>[https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-99158402 "War On Iraq: Harriers zero in on Iraqi navy."]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''Western Mail'', 24 March 2003.</ref> According to Nordeen, roughly 30 per cent of all RAF Harrier operations were [[close air support]] missions, supporting advancing allied ground troops.<ref>Nordeen 2006, p. 140.</ref> In April 2003, the Ministry of Defence admitted that RAF Harriers had deployed controversial [[BL755|RBL755]] cluster bombs in Iraq.<ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/04/04/1048962935145.html "Allies accused over cluster bomb attacks."] ''The Age'', 5 April 2003.</ref> Both the British and American Harrier squadrons were withdrawn from operations in Iraq during Summer 2003.<ref>Nordeen 2006, p. 141.</ref>

[[File:Am I the only one who thinks they still look pretty damn good? (5120741913).jpg|thumb|Underside of a Harrier flying at a steep banked angle, 2010]]
RAF Harriers would be a regular element of Britain's contribution to the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]]. In September 2004, six Harrier GR7s were deployed to [[Kandahar]], Afghanistan, replacing a US detachment of AV-8Bs in the region.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3686066.stm "UK combat jets fly to Afghanistan."] BBC News, 24 September 2004.</ref> On 14 October 2005, a Harrier GR7A was destroyed and another was damaged while parked on the tarmac at Kandahar by a Taliban rocket attack. No one was injured in the attack; the damaged Harrier was repaired, while the destroyed aircraft was replaced.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1500702/Harrier-destroyed-by-Afghan-rocket.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Harrier destroyed by Afghan rocket | first=Sean | last=Rayment | date=16 October 2005 | access-date=26 April 2010}}</ref>

While initial operations in Afghanistan had focused on intimidation and reconnaissance, demand for [[interdiction]] missions using the Harrier II spiked dramatically during the [[Helmand province campaign]].<ref name= "harrier force RAF"/> Between July and September 2006, the theatre total for munitions deployed by British Harriers on planned operations and close air support to ground forces rose from 179 to 539, the majority being CRV-7 rockets.<ref>{{cite web |title=RN and RAF Harrier combat ops gear up as Royal Navy crews join the fight against the Taleban |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RnAndRafHarrierCombatOpsGearUpAsRoyalNavyCrewsJoinTheFightAgainstTheTalebanvideo.htm |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=5 October 2006 |access-date=20 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926220724/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RnAndRafHarrierCombatOpsGearUpAsRoyalNavyCrewsJoinTheFightAgainstTheTalebanvideo.htm |archive-date=26 September 2007}}</ref> The Harrier IIs had also switched to 24-hour availability, having formerly operated mostly during the day.<ref name= "harrier force RAF"/>

In January 2007, the Harrier GR9 began its first operational deployment at Kandahar, as part of the NATO [[International Security Assistance Force]] (ISAF); Harrier GR7s would be progressively withdrawn in favour of the newer Harrier GR9.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-to-expand-afghanistan-commitment-with-additional-212368/ "UK to expand Afghanistan commitment with additional aircraft."] ''Flightglobal'', 27 February 2007.</ref> Following five years of continuous operations in Afghanistan, the last of Britain's Harriers were withdrawn from the Afghan theatre in June 2009, having flown over 22,000 hours on 8,500 sorties, they were replaced by several RAF Tornado GR4s.<ref>[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/Defence2009AYearInPictures.htm "Defence 2009: A Year in Pictures."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121051615/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/Defence2009AYearInPictures.htm |date=21 November 2010 }} ''Ministry of Defence'', 24 December 2009.</ref>

===Rundown===
In 2005, allegations emerged in Parliament that, following the transfer of servicing duties to [[RAF Cottesmore]], the standard and quality of maintenance on the Harrier fleet had fallen dramatically; several airframes had been considerably damaged and one likely destroyed due to mistakes made, the time taken to perform the servicing had risen from 100 days to 155 days, and the cost per aircraft had also risen to more than ten times that of the prior arrangements performed by [[Defence Aviation Repair Agency]] (DARA).<ref>[http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmdfence/557/557we03.htm "Select Committee on Defence – Written Evidence."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425003629/http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmdfence/557/557we03.htm |date=25 April 2014 }} ''House of Commons: Defence Committee'', 2006. pp. 15–16, 41.</ref>

In 2006, the Sea Harrier was retired from [[Fleet Air Arm]] service and the Harrier GR7/9 fleet was tasked with the missions that it used to share with those aircraft. The former Sea Harrier squadron [[800 Naval Air Squadron]] reformed with ex-RAF Harrier GR7/9s in April 2006 and joined by the re-formed [[801 Naval Air Squadron]] in 2007.<ref>Orchard and Barrington 2008, Chapter 1.</ref> These later expanded and become the [[Naval Strike Wing]].<ref name ='retiregraph'>{{cite web |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1389438/Sea-Harrier-cuts-leave-the-fleet-exposed-The-decision-to-retire-the-decisive-weapon-of-the-Falklands-conflict-means-the-Navy-will-have-to-rely-on-America-for-air-support.-David-Graves-reports.html |title= Sea Harrier cuts leave the fleet exposed The decision to retire the decisive weapon of the Falklands conflict means the Navy will have to rely on America for air support |first= David |last= Graves |work=The Daily Telegraph |date= 2 April 2002}}</ref> On 31 March 2010, [[No. 20 Squadron RAF]], the Harrier [[Operational Conversion Unit]] (OCU), was disbanded; No. 4 Squadron also disbanded and reformed as No. 4 (Reserve) Squadron at [[RAF Wittering]].<ref name="airint-2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.airinternational.com/view_news.asp?ID=1855|title=IV into 20 goes once|date=1 April 2010|work=[[Air International]]|access-date=4 May 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617052527/http://www.airinternational.com/view_news.asp?ID=1855|archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref> All Harrier GR7 aircraft were retired by July 2010.<ref name="Royal Air Force">{{cite web|title=Out with the Old in with the New – Renumbering Parade Royal Air Force Cottesmore.|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=AEA65E0E-5056-A318-A8B50414638F1C14|work=raf.mod.uk|publisher=[[Royal Air Force]]|access-date=1 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405225745/http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=AEA65E0E-5056-A318-A8B50414638F1C14|archive-date=5 April 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:bae harrier gr9 zg502 takeoff arp.jpg|thumb|Harrier GR9 demonstrating its hover capability at [[RIAT]] 2008]]
The Harrier GR9 was expected to stay in service at least until 2018. However, on 19 October 2010 it was announced in the [[Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010|Strategic Defence and Security Review]] that the Harrier was to be retired by April 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/11/15/349713/uk-defence-chiefs-stand-by-harrier-retirement-decision.html |title= UK defence chiefs stand by Harrier retirement decision |work=Flightglobal |author=Hoyle, Craig |date= 15 November 2010 |access-date=4 December 2010}}</ref> In the long term, the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35B Lightning II]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-26124894 |title= UK to spend £2.5bn on F-35 fighters |work=BBC |author=Urban, Mark |date= 11 February 2014 |access-date=8 July 2014}}</ref> would operate from the Navy's two new {{sclass|Queen Elizabeth|aircraft carrier|1}}s.<ref name="sdsr">{{citation |url=http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_191634.pdf |title=Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty: The Strategic Defence and Security Review. |publisher=HM Government |date=19 October 2010 |access-date=19 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222022127/http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/%40dg/%40en/documents/digitalasset/dg_191634.pdf |archive-date=22 December 2010  }}</ref> The decision to retire the Harrier was controversial, with some senior officers calling for the Panavia Tornado to be retired as an alternative; the decision having left Britain without any fixed-wing aircraft capable of flying from the navy's aircraft carriers.<ref>Steven Jermy, Sharkey War & Michael Clapp. [http://www.phoenixthinktank.org/2011/05/britains-fast-jet-forces-national-interest-versus-vested-intrest/ "Britain's fast jet forces – National Interest versus vested interest."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407112202/http://www.phoenixthinktank.org/2011/05/britains-fast-jet-forces-national-interest-versus-vested-intrest/ |date=7 April 2012 }} Phoenix Thinktank, May 2011.</ref><ref>Wyatt, Caroline. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11997084 "Struggle at the top over decision to scrap UK Harriers."] ''BBC News'', 15 December 2010.</ref>

On 24 November 2010, the Harrier made its last flight from a carrier, incidentally also the last flight from the carrier {{HMS|Ark Royal|R07|6}} prior to retirement.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/last-harrier-jet-leaves-ark-royal-2142482.html |title=Last Harrier jet leaves Ark Royal |work=Independent |location=UK |author=Wilkinson, Tom |date= 24 November 2010 |access-date=4 December 2010}}</ref> The fleet's last operational flights occurred on 15 December 2010 with fly pasts over numerous military bases.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-12003381 |title=Last trip for one of Britain's iconic aircraft |work=BBC News |date=15 December 2010 |access-date=15 December 2010}}</ref> In November 2011, the Ministry of Defence sold 72 Harrier IIs,<ref name="AFM288"/> along with spare parts, to the [[United States Marine Corps]] for £116 million (US$180 million); the aircraft to be used as a source of components for the [[McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II|AV-8B Harrier II]] fleet.<ref>Cavas, Christopher P. [https://archive.today/20120729052738/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=8225756&c=EUR&s=AIR "U.S. To Buy Decommissioned British Harrier Jets"]. Defense News, 13 November 2011. Retrieved 16 November 2011.</ref><ref>Perry, Dominic. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-harrier-fleet-sold-as-115-million-worth-of-spare-parts-365277/ "UK Harrier fleet sold as £115 million worth of spare parts"]. ''Flightglobal'', 24 November 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2011.</ref><ref name=NLAflash>{{cite journal |date=January 2012 |title=Flash Traffic: UK Sells all GR09s for US180M to US |journal=The Navy |publisher=Navy League of Australia |volume=74 |issue=1 |pages=15–16 |issn=1322-6231}}</ref>

According to a report by ''[[Air Forces Monthly]]'', some of the 72 Harrier IIs were to fly again, as the USMC planned to equip two squadrons with GR.9/9A models due to the well-maintained condition of the airframes when inspected at RAF Cottesmore, where the aircraft were stored and maintained by a skeleton crew of technicians following their retirement.<ref name="AFM288">{{cite magazine |last=Gary Parsons |date=March 2012 |title=UK Harriers will fly again with USMC |magazine=[[Air Forces Monthly]] |publisher=[[Key Publishing]] |issue= 288 |page=5 |issn=0955-7091}}</ref> This was contradicted by the [[Naval Air Systems Command|US Naval Air Systems Command]] (NAVAIR) in June 2012, who stated that the USMC never planned to operate ex-RAF Harriers.<ref name="flight fatigue">{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |title=USMC hopes new method for tracking fatigue life will help extend Harrier to 2030 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usmc-hopes-new-method-for-tracking-fatigue-life-will-help-extend-harrier-to-2030-372797/ |work=Flightglobal |access-date=12 August 2012|date=9 June 2012}}</ref>

==Variants==
{{Main|List of Harrier variants}}
;GR.5
:The GR5 was the RAF's first model of the second-generation Harrier. The GR5 considerably differed from the USMC AV-8B in terms of avionics, armaments and countermeasures. Forty one GR5s were built.

;GR.5A
:The GR5A was a minor variant, incorporating design changes in anticipation of the GR7 upgrade. Twenty-one GR5As were built.

;GR.7
:The GR7 is an upgraded model of the GR5. The first GR7 conducted its maiden flight in May 1990, and made its first operational deployment in August 1995 over the former [[Yugoslavia]].

;GR.7A
:The GR7A feature an uprated [[Rolls-Royce Pegasus|Pegasus 107 engine]]. GR7As upgraded to GR9 standard retain the A designation as GR9As. The Mk 107 engine provides around 3,000&nbsp;lbf (13&nbsp;kN) extra [[thrust]] over the Mk 105's 21,750&nbsp;lbf (98&nbsp;kN) thrust.

;GR.9
:The GR9 is an upgrade of the GR7, focused on the Harrier II's avionics and weapons. Upgraded under the JUMP programme.<ref name=DM />

;GR.9A
:The Harrier GR9A is an avionics and weapons upgrade of the uprated engined GR7As. All GR9s were capable of accepting the Mk 107 Pegasus engine to become GR9As.

;T.10
:The Harrier T10 is the first two seat [[Trainer (aircraft)|training variant]] of the Harrier II; based on the USMC Harrier trainer the TAV-8B. Unlike their American counterparts, the T10s are fully combat-capable.<ref>"Britain Orders McDonnell's Harrier II." ''St. Louis Post-Dispatch'', 10 March 1990.</ref>{{#tag:ref|According to aviation author Lon Nordeen, the RAF had originally intended to modernise its first generation T.4/4A two-seat trainers in order to perform the trainer role for the Harrier II; however pilots noted that training upon a variant in which the cockpit and controls would be far more comparable to the newer Harrier II would have greater benefits and have less limitations, thus in 1990 the Ministry of Defence placed an order for 14 combat-capable twin-seat aircraft.<ref name ="Nordeen 68"/>|group=N}}

;T.12
:Update of the trainers to accompany the GR9. Nine T10 aircraft received the JUMP updates under the designation T12, however these would retain the less powerful Pegasus 105 engine.<ref name=DM />

;T.12A
:Equivalent to the T.12, however differs by being equipped with the newer and more powerful Mk 107 Pegasus engine of the GR7A/9A.

==Operators==
{{main|List of Harrier operators}}

[[File:British Aerospace Harrier II GR7.jpg|thumb|A pair of Harrier GR7s, 2008]]
[[File:A Harrier GR7A in flight over the mountain ranges of Afghanistan during a mission. MOD 45147942.jpg|thumb|An RAF Harrier GR7A flying over [[Afghanistan]], 2004]]
;{{Flagu|United Kingdom}}
*[[Royal Air Force]] (1988–2011)
**[[No. 1 Squadron RAF|No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron]] (October 1988 – January 2011)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rafweb.org/Squadrons/Sqn%20Markings/SqnMark001B.htm |title=No 1 Squadron Aircraft and Markings 1969 – Current |website= Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation |access-date=4 July 2019}}</ref>
**[[No. 3 Squadron RAF|No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron]] (March 1989 – March 2006)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rafweb.org/Squadrons/Sqn%20Markings/SqnMark003D.htm |title=No 3 Squadron Aircraft & Markings 1953 – Current |website= Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation |access-date=4 July 2019}}</ref>
**[[No. 4 Squadron RAF|No. IV (Army Co-operation) / (Reserve) Squadron]] (September 1990 – January 2011)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rafweb.org/Squadrons/Sqn%20Markings/SqnMark004B.htm |title=No IV Squadron Aircraft & Markings 1939 – Current |website= Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation |access-date=4 July 2019}}</ref>
**[[No. 20 Squadron RAF|No. 20 (Reserve) Squadron]] (September 1992 – March 2010)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rafweb.org/Squadrons/Sqn%20Markings/SqnMark020.htm |title=No 20 Squadron Aircraft & Markings |website= Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation |access-date=4 July 2019}}</ref>
**[[Strike Attack Operational Evaluation Unit]] (SAOEU) (1988 – 2004)<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.saoeu.org/History.htm|title=History|date=25 March 2001|website=Strike Attack Operational Evaluation Unit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010414025102/http://www.saoeu.org/History.htm|archive-date=14 April 2001|access-date=7 April 2019}}</ref>
**Fast Jet & Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit
*[[Royal Navy]] [[Fleet Air Arm]]
**[[800 Naval Air Squadron]] (March 2006 – March 2007; 2010)
**[[Naval Strike Wing]] (March 2007 – April 2010)

==Aircraft on display==
;United Kingdom
* Harrier GR.7 ''ZD318'' on display at the Harrier Heritage Museum, [[RAF Wittering]], Cambridgeshire, England<ref name="Wittering">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurodemobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=2498 |title=RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire |website=eurodemobbed.org.uk |access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref>
* Harrier GR.9A ''ZD433'' on display at the [[Fleet Air Arm Museum]], [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]], Somerset, England<ref name="AFM288"/>
* Harrier GR.9A ''ZD461'' on display at the [[Imperial War Museum]], London, England<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurodemobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=1738 |title=Lambeth IWM, London |website=eurodemobbed.org.uk |access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref>
* Harrier GR.7 ''ZD462'' on display at [[Dyson (company)|Dyson HQ]], Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurodemobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=8698 |title=Malmesbury, Wiltshire |website=eurodemobbed.org.uk |access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref>
* Harrier GR.9 ''ZD465'' on display at {{HMS|Sultan|shore establishment|6}}, Gosport, Hampshire, England<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurodemobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=1535# |title=H.M.S. Sultan, Gosport, Hampshire |website=eurodemobbed.org.uk |access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref>
* Harrier GR.7A ''ZD469'' on the gate at RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire, England<ref name="Wittering"/>
* Harrier GR.9 ''ZG477'' on display at the [[Royal Air Force Museum London]], Hendon, England<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurodemobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=1613 |title=Hendon, Barnet, London |website=eurodemobbed.org.uk |access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref>
* Harrier GR.7 ''ZG509'' on display near Petersfield, Hampshire, England<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurodemobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=9841 |title=Petersfield area, Hampshire |website=eurodemobbed.org.uk |access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref>

;United States
* Harrier GR.5 ''ZD353'' on display at the [[Pima Air & Space Museum]], [[Tucson, Arizona]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pimaair.org/museum-aircraft/british-aerospace-harrier-gr-5/ |title=BRITISH AEROSPACE HARRIER II GR.5 |website=Pima Air & Space Museum |access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref>

==Specifications (Harrier GR7)==
[[File:RAF British Aerospace Harrier GR9 Lofting-1.jpg|thumb|Overhead view of a Harrier GR9, 2006]]
[[File:Harrier GR7 taking off HMS Illustrious (R06) 1998.JPEG|thumb|A Harrier GR7 taking off from the aircraft carrier HMS ''Illustrious'' in the [[Persian Gulf]], 1998]]
[[File:Harrier Pilot Prepares for Takeoff MOD 45151641.jpg|thumb|Digitally manipulated image of the interior of a Harrier cockpit while preparing to take off from the aircraft carrier HMS ''Ark Royal'', 2010]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref= Harrier II, Validating V/STOL<ref>Nordeen 2006, Appendix C.</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--   General characteristics
-->
|crew=1
|length ft=46
|length in=4
|length note=
|span ft=30
|span in=4
|span note=
|height ft=11
|height in=8
|height note=
|wing area sqft=243
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=<!--'''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA ]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA ]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>-->
|empty weight lb=12500
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=15703
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=31000
|max takeoff weight note=STO
::::{{cvt|18950|lb|0}}
|fuel capacity=
|lift lb=<!-- lighter-than-air -->
|lift note=
|more general=
<!--   Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk. 105]]
|eng1 type=[[turbofan]] engine
|eng1 lbf=21750
|eng1 note=with water injection
<!--   Performance
-->
|max speed kts=575
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi=
|range note=
|combat range nmi=300
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi=1758
|ferry range note=with 4× drop tanks
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=50000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|climb rate ftmin=14715
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=<!--<br />
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Take-off distance to {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing distance from {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}-->
<!--   Armament
-->
|guns=2× [[ADEN cannon#ADEN 25|25 mm ADEN cannon]] pods under the fuselage (Cleared for emergency use<ref>{{cite web | url=https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C18350246 | title=Catalogue description Harrier Gun }}</ref>)
|hardpoints=8 (under-wing pylon stations 1A & 7A are intended for air-to-air missiles only.)
|hardpoint capacity=8,000 lb (3,650 kg) of payload
|hardpoint rockets= LAU-5003 rocket pods (19× [[CRV7]] 70 mm rockets each) ''or'' Matra rocket pods (18× [[SNEB]] 68 mm rockets each)
|hardpoint missiles=4× [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]]s<ref>AP101B-0607-15B Harrier GR.7 Nav Attack Systems "Summary of Attack Limitations"</ref> or 6x [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]]s (with an adaptor on the intermediate pylon)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C17549611 | title=Catalogue description Harrier GR5: Strike Attack Operational Evaluation Unit (SAOEU); Aircraft and Armament }}</ref> 4× [[AGM-65 Maverick]] <!-- deleted Nordeen's ASRAAM & Brimstone as they never made it onto the GR7/9 before retirement -->
|hardpoint bombs=ordnance such as [[Paveway|Paveway II/III/IV, Enhanced Paveway II/II+]] series of [[laser-guided bomb]]s, unguided {{cvt|540|and|1000|lb|kg}} [[gravity bomb|bombs]] (including 3&nbsp;kg and 14&nbsp;kg practice bombs)
|hardpoint other=2× auxiliary [[drop tank]]s ''or'' reconnaissance pod (such as the [[Joint Reconnaissance Pod]]) (TIALD pod would replace ADEN guns when mounted.)
:*'''Recce/targeting pods:''' DJRP,<ref name=Hansard /> [[Lockheed Martin Sniper XR|Sniper]],<ref name=Hansard /> and TIALD<ref name=Hansard />

|avionics=GEC-Marconi (Plessey) PVS-2000 Missile approach warning system
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|United Kingdom|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|see also=<!-- other closely related articles that have not already linked: -->
* [[Harrier jump jet]], an overview of the Harrier family
|related=<!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
* [[British Aerospace Sea Harrier]]
* [[Hawker Siddeley Harrier]]
* [[McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II]]
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar Role, Era, and Capability as this design: -->
* [[Yakovlev Yak-38]]
|lists=<!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
* [[List of active United Kingdom military aircraft]]
* [[List of Harrier family losses]]
<!-- See [[WP:Air/PC]] for more explanation of these fields. -->
}}

==References==

===Notes===
{{reflist|group=N}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist|35em}}

===Bibliography===
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* {{Cite magazine |last= Elliot |first= Simon |title= Harrier – The Next 30 Years |magazine= Flight International |location=London, UK|publisher=Reed Business Information|volume=138 |issue=4233 |issn=0015-3710 |date= 18 September 1990 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%202774.html |pages= 50–57 |access-date= 26 August 2012}}
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* {{Cite journal |editor-last= Jefford |editor-first= C.G. |url= http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/documents/Research/RAF-Historical-Society-Journals/Journal-33-Seminar-Maritime-Operations.pdf |title= Seminar – Maritime Operations. |journal= Journal of the Royal Air Force Historical Society |location= London, UK |publisher= Royal Air Force Historical Society |year= 2005 |issn= 1361-4231 }}
* {{Cite book |editor-last= Jefford |editor-first= C.G. |url= http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/documents/Journal%2035A%20-%20Seminar%20-%20the%20RAF%20Harrier%20Story.pdf |title= The RAF Harrier Story |location= London, UK |publisher= Royal Air Force Historical Society |year= 2006 |isbn= 0-9530345-2-6 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110105084744/http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/documents/Journal%2035A%20-%20Seminar%20-%20the%20RAF%20Harrier%20Story.pdf |archive-date= 5 January 2011 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all }}
* {{Cite book |last=Jenkins |first= Dennis R. |title= Boeing / BAe Harrier |series=Warbird Tech |date= 8 January 1999 |volume=21 |location= North Branch, Minnesota |publisher=Specialty Press, 1998 |isbn=1-58007-014-0 |ref={{harvid|Jenkins|1998}}}}
* {{Cite book |last=Nordeen |first=Lon O |title= Harrier II, Validating V/STOL |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m9aQXZ5rsLYC|location=Annapolis, Maryland |publisher=Naval Institute Press, 2006 |isbn=1-59114-536-8 |year=2006 }}
* {{Cite book |last= Orchard |first= Adrian |author2= James Barrington |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=dPDwrdFKN1AC|title= Joint Force Harrier |publisher= Penguin, 2008 |isbn= 978-0-14-188975-7 |date= 4 September 2008 }}
* {{Cite book |last= Polmar |first= Norman |title= The Naval Institute Guide to the Ships And Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet |publisher= Naval Institute Press, 2005 |isbn= 1-59114-685-2 |year= 2004 |url-access= registration |url= https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0018polm }}
* {{Cite magazine |last=Walker |first=Karen |title=V/STOL Comes of Age |magazine=[[Flight International]] |location=London, UK |publisher=Reed Business Information |issue=4020 |volume=130 |date=19 July 1986 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1986/1986%20-%201660.html |pages=23–25 |access-date=22 July 2011 |issn=0015-3710}}
* {{Cite book |last=Wilson |first= Stewart |title= BAe/McDonnell Douglas Harrier |publisher=Airlife, 2000 |isbn=1-84037-218-4 |year= 2000 }}
* {{cite magazine |last=Winchester |first=Jim |title=Aircraft of the RAF part 7: Harrier |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=November 2008 |volume=75 |issue=5 |pages= 42–46}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|British Aerospace Harrier II}}
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060925134615/http://www.vectorsite.net/avav8_3.html#m1 Second-generation Harriers on Greg Goebel's vectorsite.net]}}
* [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?distict_entry=true&aircraft_genericsearch=British%20Aerospace%20Harrier Photos of this aircraft on Airliners.net]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120215085053/http://www.photoboxgallery.com/MaritimeAviationNews Photographs of Harrier G R Mk 7 deployed aboard HMS Illustrious]
* [http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/03/av8b-harrier-finding-success-in-iraq/index.php Defense Industry Daily: AV-8B Harrier finding Success in Iraq (30 March 2005)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224042605/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/03/av8b-harrier-finding-success-in-iraq/index.php |date=24 February 2007 }}

{{BAE aircraft}}
{{Harrier variants}}
{{British military aircraft since World War II}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:British Aerospace Harrier Ii}}
[[Category:British Aerospace aircraft|Harrier II]]
[[Category:1980s British attack aircraft]]
[[Category:1980s British fighter aircraft]]
[[Category:Carrier-based aircraft]]
[[Category:V/STOL aircraft by thrust vectoring]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Harrier Jump Jet]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1985]]
[[Category:Fourth-generation jet fighters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable bicycle landing gear]]