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I was on an Air Experience Flight today with the rest of my ATC, and while flicking through The RAF News, I saw an article about the Harrier GR9 beginning tests. Upgrades include an improved SMS and mission computer, that will ensure it's existence for another decade or so.

Yay! I'll get to fly a Harrier!!

Erm . . . . . you have to be selected first . . . . . . :lol: One step at a time, young Skywalker. The GR.9 is the stop-gap between the senseless draw-down of the Joint Harrier Force aircraft, and the JSF, when it arrives in 2012 or 2014 I think (haven't checked the exact projected year). Anyway, what I mean by 'senseless', is that they got rid of the Sea Harriers FA2 (FA = Fighter/Atack) first - they had a really decent radar, and were already protected against damage from the sea water. The RAF Harriers didn't have that, and I believe at least some of them were older airframes too. That's not to say I don't believe the RAF Harriers to be formidible in their own right, because they are. But the capabilities of the Sea Harrier are still a necessity for operations at sea, and now they don't have them. What about this GR.9 (GR = Ground Attack/Recon)? Let's see what we can dredge-up on this thing, what improvements and modifications are intended?

1. Mk.105 out Mk107 Pegasus engine in - 3000hp more thrust in adverse weather conditions.
2. Improved software.
3. New mission computer system, new SMS package.
4. New INS, GPS set-up.
5. Ground proximity Warning system.
6. Upgraded Display system and Secure Comms.
7. Composite tail section.

No mention of a radar system though, eh?! :shock: I'm guessing they're going down the route of secure comms for potential air threats, and perhaps most missions being supported by CAP or escort.

http://www.baesystems.com/newsroom/2003 ... 3news1.htm
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bi ... dele=jdc_1