Harrier GR7
Roles:
The Harrier is used by the RAF in the close air support role and is the latest in a long line of ‘jump-jets’ dating back to the introduction of the first Harriers in the 1960s.
Engines: RR Pegasus 105 or 107 turbofan
Thrust: 21,750lbs
Max speed: 574kts
Length: 14.36m
Max altitude: 43,000ft
Span: 9.25m
Aircrew: 1
Armament: CRV-7, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Maverick, Paveway II, Paveway III, Enhanced Paveway, General Purpose Bombs
Details:
The Harrier is used by the RAF in the close air support role and is the latest in a long line of ‘jump-jets’ dating back to the introduction of the first Harriers in the 1960s.Now, as part of the Joint Force Harrier, these extremely versatile aircraft are ready to deploy anywhere in the world, either on board Royal Navy aircraft carriers or to shore bases.The aircraft are usually employed in direct support of ground troops tackling such targets as enemy troop positions, tanks and artillery. The Harrier uses a variety of weapons such as Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System-guided bombs against buildings, Maverick infrared missiles against tanks, cluster munitions and general purpose free-fall bombs.When required, the Harrier can also be equipped with a pod fitted with cameras to provide reconnaissance of the target and battle areas.For self-defence the aircraft can be fitted with the AIM-9L Sidewinder infrared guided missile.The first Harriers entered RAF service in 1969, making the RAF the first in the world to use its revolutionary vertical take-off and landing abilities, which allow the aircraft to fly in and out of areas close to the battlefield that would normally be off-limits to conventional aircraft such as the Tornado.The existing versions of Harrier are the pilot-only GR7 and the two-seat T10 which, when not used as a training aircraft, can also be used in combat. The GR7A has been fitted with a more powerful engine. Key improvements introduced with the GR7 included forward-looking infrared systems, which when used with pilot's night-vision goggles, provide the capability for night-time operations. The aircraft is largely constructed of composite materials and can carry twice the ordnance load of the early model Harriers it succeeded in service.Since 2000, the RAF's Harriers and the Royal Navy Sea Harriers have been under the organisational control of Joint Force Harrier. This has seen the RAF's aircraft deploy alongside the Sea Harriers on board aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy on many routine training deployments as well as operations. These aircraft are being upgraded to the advanced GR9 standard.
Harrier GR9
Roles:
A heavily updated development of the GR7, incorporating the ability to use a wide range of advanced precision weaponry, new communications, and systems and airframe upgrades.
Specification:
Engines: RR Pegasus 105 or 107 turbofan
Thrust: 21,750lbs
Max speed: 574kts
Length: 14.36m
Max altitude: 43,000ft
Span: 9.25m
Aircrew: 1
Armament: AIM-9 Sidewinder, Maverick, Paveway II, Paveway III, Enhanced Paveway, General Purpose Bombs, CRV-7
Details:
The Harrier GR9 is a heavily updated development of the existing GR7, incorporating the ability to use a wide range of advanced precision weaponry, new communications, and systems and airframe upgrades. Integration and clearance of these weapons will allow the RAF to hit a wider range of targets harder, at longer range and with less risk to aircrew. The first improved aircraft will equip Joint Force Harrier squadrons that will be crewed by both Royal Air Force and Royal Navy personnel, following the withdrawal from service of Royal Navy Sea Harrier aircraft. MoD plans a force of four front-line squadrons and one Operational Conversion Unit. The RAF is expected to supply air and ground crew for two of the front-line squadrons and the RN for the other two while the OCU will be jointly crewed. Alongside the GR9 upgrade programme, some aircraft are being fitted with more powerful engines to enable them to perform better in extremely hot climates, which degrade the performance of the existing Pegasus Mk105 turbofan. Aircraft with the improved engine will be designated GR9A. Total projected MoD expenditure on Harrier upgrades, which will be fully realised when the fleet of about 70 aircraft is at GR9 standard, is about £500 million. Under a £100 million contract awarded to BAE Systems in 2004, new digital weapons that will be integrated onto the GR9 will include the advanced Global Positioning System and laser-guided Paveway IV bomb, and infrared and television variants of the Maverick missile to achieve high precision ground attack capabilities. The aircraft will be able to carry up to six Paveway IV bombs, which will be linked by a new onboard computer. The Successor Identification Friend or Foe system will also equip the aircraft, to make it less vulnerable on operations. The aircraft is also expected to be fitted to carry the advanced Brimstone fire and forget anti-armour missile. Part of the longer term plans for the aircraft currently include equipping with secure communications, a ground proximity warning system and for training the Rangeless Airborne Instrumentation and Debriefing System (RAIDS). The programme also includes an upgrade to the two-seater T10 training aircraft to T12, the equivalent of the GR9 standard.The Harrier GR9 aircraft came into service on October 2006.
Jaguar GR3/GR3A
Roles:
This ground-attack aircraft was the result of a major UK/France collaborative programme, which followed agreement of a joint Anglo- French requirement in 1965.
Specifications:
Engines: Two RR Adour turbofans
Thrust: 8249lbs each
Max speed: 1.4
MachLength: 16.83m
Max altitude: 40,000ft
Span: 8.69m
Aircrew: 1
Armament: AIM-9 Sidewinder, Paveway II, Paveway III, General Purpose Bombs, CRV-7, Aden 30mm
Details:
This ground-attack aircraft was the result of a major UK/France collaborative programme, which followed agreement of a joint Anglo- French requirement in 1965 for a dual-role advanced/operational trainer and tactical support aircraft.The UK ordered about 200 of the aircraft, a mix of single-seat ground-attack aircraft and two-seat trainers of which some 46 remain in first-line service. Deliveries began in 1973, and at its peak the Jaguar equipped eight front-line RAF squadrons in the UK and Germany.Over the years, the Jaguar has been upgraded to ensure it remains a potent fighter-bomber, and one that served with distinction during the 1991 Gulf War and subsequent operations over Iraq and the Balkans.The most recent upgrade to GR3A (or T4 for the 2-seat version) standard included improved avionics with the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Terrain-Referenced Navigation (TRN), Night-Vision Goggles (NVG) compatible lighting (both internally and externally), helmet-mounted sight, and new Head-Up and Head-Down Displays in the cockpit. GR3A upgrade also includes a planned ASRAAM capability. These modifications have ensured that the Jaguar is fully capable for performing day and night operations.The aircraft's twin Adour turbofan engines have also been updated to the Mk106 standard, giving greater fuel economy and more power in high ambient temperatures.In the reconnaissance role, the Jaguar is fitted with an externally mounted pod, equipped with videotape and sensors. It can also carry the Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod for self-designation of targets or co-operative designation for attacks by other aircraft equipped with precision-guided weapons.The Jaguar force is being run down as the Typhoon aircraft start to enter service with the RAF. 54(F) Squadron was disbanded in 2005 and 41(R) Sqn has changed roles to an Operational Evaluation Unit, with the closure of RAF Coltishall the final Jaguar squadron (6 Sqn) disbanded in 2007.
Tornado GR4
Roles:
The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons.
Specifications:
Engines: Two RB199 turbofans
Thrust: 16,000lbs each
Max speed: 1.3
MachLength: 16.72m
Max altitude: 50,000ft
Span: 8.6m
Aircrew: 2
Armament: Storm Shadow, Brimstone, ALARM, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Paveway II, Paveway III, Enhanced Paveway, General Purpose Bombs, Mauser 27mm
The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107 Pod on the right wing to dispense chaff and flares and a Sky Shadow-2 electronic countermeasures pod on the left wing. The aircraft can also carry an integral 27mm Mauser cannon capable of firing 1700 rounds per minute.The Tornado GR4 is now equipped with the Storm Shadow missile and will soon be equipped with the new Brimstone missile. The Storm Shadow will allow the Tornado to make precision strikes in poor weather with a greatly increased stand-off range from the target area. Brimstone will provide the Tornado with an effective anti-armour weapon, also providing an enhanced stand-off range.The Tornado GR4 is currently operated from two bases. Based at RAF Lossiemouth, in Scotland, are the Operational Conversion Unit, No. 15(R) Squadron, and Nos 12(B), 14 and 617 Squadrons. RAF Marham is the home of the GR4s of Nos II(AC), IX(B), 13 and 31 Squadrons.In addition to its long-range, high-speed precision strike capability, including supersonic at low level with a low-level combat radius of 400nmls, the Tornado GR4 is a world leader in the specialised field of all-weather, day and night tactical reconnaissance. The new RAPTOR (Reconnaissance Airborne Pod TORnado) pod is one of the most advanced reconnaissance sensors in the world and greatly increased the effectiveness of the aircraft in the reconnaissance role. Its introduction into service gave the GR4 the ability to download real-time, long-range, oblique-photography data to ground stations or to the cockpit during a mission. The stand-off range of the sensors also allows the aircraft to remain outside heavily defended areas, thus minimising the aircraft’s exposure to enemy air-defence systems.Some Tornado GR4s involved in Operation Telic were fitted with the RAPTOR pod and the aircraft is currently employed in the Gulf on both Close Support and Reconnaissance missions in support of Coalition Forces in Iraq.
The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons.
Specifications:
Engines: Two RB199 turbofans
Thrust: 16,000lbs each
Max speed: 1.3
MachLength: 16.72m
Max altitude: 50,000ft
Span: 8.6m
Aircrew: 2
Armament: Storm Shadow, Brimstone, ALARM, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Paveway II, Paveway III, Enhanced Paveway, General Purpose Bombs, Mauser 27mm
The Tornado GR4 is a variable geometry, two-seat, day or night, all-weather attack aircraft, capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons. Powered by two Rolls-Royce RB 199 Mk 103 turbofan engines, the GR4 is capable of low-level supersonic flight and can sustain a high subsonic cruise speed. The aircraft can fly automatically at low level using terrain-following radar when poor weather prevents visual flight. The aircraft is also equipped with forward-looking infrared and is night-vision goggle compatible, making it a capable platform for passive night operations. For navigation purposes, the Tornado is equipped with an integrated global positioning inertial navigation system that can also be updated with visual or radar inputs. The GR4 is also equipped with a Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker system that can be used for ground designation or can provide accurate range information on ground targets.The GR4 can carry up to three Paveway II, two Paveway III or Enhanced Paveway Laser and Global Positioning System Guided Bombs (LGBs), and by using a Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designation (TIALD) pod it is able to self-designate targets for LGB delivery. The GR4 also has a ground-mapping radar to identify targets for the delivery of conventional 1000lb bombs. All GR4 aircraft are capable of carrying the Air Launched Anti- Radiation Missile (ALARM), which homes on the emitted radiation of enemy radar systems and can be used for the suppression of enemy air defences. The GR4 is capable of carrying up to nine ALARM missiles or a mixed configuration of ALARM missiles and bombs. In the reconnaissance role the GR4 can carry the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod to provide detailed reconnaissance imagery; this is currently being replaced with the RAPTOR pod, which provides an even greater day-and night reconnaissance potential.For self-protection, the GR4 is normally armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a BOZ-107 Pod on the right wing to dispense chaff and flares and a Sky Shadow-2 electronic countermeasures pod on the left wing. The aircraft can also carry an integral 27mm Mauser cannon capable of firing 1700 rounds per minute.The Tornado GR4 is now equipped with the Storm Shadow missile and will soon be equipped with the new Brimstone missile. The Storm Shadow will allow the Tornado to make precision strikes in poor weather with a greatly increased stand-off range from the target area. Brimstone will provide the Tornado with an effective anti-armour weapon, also providing an enhanced stand-off range.The Tornado GR4 is currently operated from two bases. Based at RAF Lossiemouth, in Scotland, are the Operational Conversion Unit, No. 15(R) Squadron, and Nos 12(B), 14 and 617 Squadrons. RAF Marham is the home of the GR4s of Nos II(AC), IX(B), 13 and 31 Squadrons.In addition to its long-range, high-speed precision strike capability, including supersonic at low level with a low-level combat radius of 400nmls, the Tornado GR4 is a world leader in the specialised field of all-weather, day and night tactical reconnaissance. The new RAPTOR (Reconnaissance Airborne Pod TORnado) pod is one of the most advanced reconnaissance sensors in the world and greatly increased the effectiveness of the aircraft in the reconnaissance role. Its introduction into service gave the GR4 the ability to download real-time, long-range, oblique-photography data to ground stations or to the cockpit during a mission. The stand-off range of the sensors also allows the aircraft to remain outside heavily defended areas, thus minimising the aircraft’s exposure to enemy air-defence systems.Some Tornado GR4s involved in Operation Telic were fitted with the RAPTOR pod and the aircraft is currently employed in the Gulf on both Close Support and Reconnaissance missions in support of Coalition Forces in Iraq.
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