British Aerospace/MDC AV-8A/C/S and GR.3 Harrier

The Harrier was the first V/STOL aircraft to enter operational service. Developed from the Hawker P.1127 and Kestrel line the Harrier first flew in 1966. The Harrier was supposed to be merely another development aircraft, the supersonic P.1154 multirole fighter was to be the service aircraft. Whenthis was cancelled though the Harrier was put into production for the RAF. Service Harriers were designated GR.1 and entered service after 1967. The aircraft were upgraded to GR.3 standard in 1976 with laser rangefinder and designator fitted in the nose. The USMC took delivery of 110 AV-8A Harriers built by McDonnell. These aircraft were similar to the RAF's GR.1's. The aircraft were later upgraded to AV-8C standard. Spain was the only other customer for the early Harriers, purchasing 13 AV-8S from McDonnell. These were operated by the Spanish Navy and have now been replaced by Harrier II's. All RAF and USMC Harriers have also been retired and the only operator now is the Thai Navy who purchased the Spanish AV-8S's to operate from their new aircraft carrier.

DB2000 Entries: