Harrier Heaven!

  The British Harrier - My photo portfolio  2001 to 2010.

 

The vertical/short take off and landing (V/STOL) Harrier jump jet looks set to be completely scrapped in the latest defence and security review. Announced on the 19th October the review is designed to bring the UK  up to date with modern equipment and Armed forces.The Harrier along with other aircraft and equipment aswell as some jobs will go to help save money as part

of the plan.
The prototype P.1127 first flew in 1960. The Harrier GR1 (A modified P.1127) was ordered by the RAF in 1966. Other upgraded versions have followed over the Years (GR3, 5, 7 and 9) The 1st naval version ( FRS.1 ) entered Naval service in 1980. The updated FA2 version entered service in 1993.
The FA2 and GR7 harriers have often played a pivotal role in my interest of aircraft and photography. With 800,801 and 899 Squadron (SQN) all based at RNAS Yeovilton near to my house I spent a lot of time capturing the final Sea Harrier FA2 Years on digital format from 2001 to 2006.
Frequently the Harrier Gr7s from Wittering and Cottesmore would come to the navy base. Largely to practice deck carrier landings on the ski jump prior to detachment at sea, but also to support the Annual Yeovilton Air show. Since the last sea Harrier (SHAR) landing at Yeovilton on the 31st March 2006, the Royal Navy have been using the Harrier GR9 at Cottesmore with the Naval Strike Wing (NSW). 800 and 801 SQN were combined in 2007 to make 1 unit the NSW .
Since the review announcement, little information on the harrier fleet has been provided. The NSW and 1 SQN Royal Air force (RAF) have been back operating from RAF Cottesmore Week commencing the 25th October after a few Days stand down following the decision.
This collection of photos have been taken at Yeovilton, Cottesmore, 41sqn at Coningsby, Air shows at Fairford, Yeovilton and Tanagra Greece. Harrier Gr9 at Boscombe Down. Also at low level in the mountains of Wales and the Lake District.
It seems the last British Harrier based at RAF Cottesmore will be withdrawn by the 31st of March 2011 with some suggestions of harrier going completely by December 2010.