Tag: Harrier

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Trace the Harrier’s Transformation From Prototype to Revolutionary Combat Aircraft

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Tim Brandt is The Royal Air Force Germany Harrier Force: Volume 1: Development and Deployment 1970-1973. This new account traces the Harrier aircraft’s transformation from prototype to complex war machine through the RAF Germany Harrier Force’s early years, detailing field operations, development, and the people who mastered vertical flight.

Royal Air Force Germany was the chief operator of the RAF’s Harriers during the Cold War. Its Harrier Force remains the only unit to have routinely taken large numbers of fast-jet aircraft into unprepared fields and woods, operating them in constant readiness for combat.

This book, the first of three volumes on the RAF Germany Harrier Force, describes how the aircraft was developed from a simple proof-of-concept prototype into a much more complex war machine, overcoming the extraordinary demands of vertical flight. It tells of the forming of the Harrier Wing at RAF Wildenrath in 1970, and how its people learned the hard way to fly and operate the ‘jump jet’ on base and in the field during those accident-laden early years. Volume I concludes at the end of 1973 when, having proven its capabilities, the Harrier Wing became the Harrier Force.

The 256 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for November 30.

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Revell Release June “Project Harrier” Video Update Detailing New Tool Development Progress

Revell has provided a new Project Harrier video update for June.

As previously reported, the company recently announced the development of a new tool “state-of-the-art” Hawker Siddeley Harrier model kit in 1/32 scale. As part of the process, they launched “Project Harrier,” which brings modelers along on the development journey with a behind-the-scenes look at the process via blog posts, monthly YouTube updates, etc.

Work began in late March with setup, including aligning scans and creating the cross-sectional planes that the designer uses to create the “skeleton” model. In addition to the aircraft itself, the company will be developing a separate engine and display trolley for inclusion with the kit. To date, the development team has gathered data from Harriers based at RAF Wittering Heritage Centre and Gatwick Aviation Museum. Release is planned for Autumn 2027.

The new update shares more about the development journey and what’s happening next. Check it out below.

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Revell Announces New Tool, State-of-the-Art 1/32 Harrier Kit

Today, Revell announced “Project Harrier” which will see the development of a new tool “state-of-the-art” Hawker Siddeley Harrier model kit in 1/32 scale.

As a new twist, Revell will be bringing modelers along on the development journey with a behind-the-scenes look at the process via blog posts, monthly YouTube updates, etc. Work began in late March with setup, including aligning scans and creating the cross-sectional planes that the designer uses to create the “skeleton” model. In addition to the aircraft itself, the company will be developing a separate engine and display trolley for inclusion with the kit.

To date, the development team has gathered data from Harriers based at RAF Wittering Heritage Centre and Gatwick Aviation Museum. Release is planned for Autumn 2027.

Click below to check out the announcement video, which contains additional details.

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The Real Story of the Iconic Harrier and the Man Who Made It

Coming soon from Penguin Michael Joseph and author Michael Pryce is Jump Jet: The Secret History of the Harrier.

Victory in the Falklands War made the Harrier’s name as a world-beating British icon, as capable of giving the enemy a bloody nose as it was of thrilling the crowds at airshows with displays of aerial ballet. Its failure seemed inconceivable. But that’s not the real story of the Harrier. Though derided as a novelty, the Harrier’s designer, Ralph Hooper, knew that the naysayers were wrong. Hooper’s masterpiece was born of instinct and feel. Yet, in the end, neither Hooper’s genius nor American support were enough to beat the odds. This is the real story of a British flying legend, and of the man who made it.

The 400 page book is currently available for pre-order in hardcover, Kindle and Audiobook formats with release set for June 23.

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From Sopwith Camel to Harrier: Hawker’s Naval Fighters Chronicled in New Book

The naval fighters of Sopwith and Hawker will take center stage in author Christopher Budgen’s upcoming book Hawker’s Naval Fighters: Camel to Sea Harrier, released by Pen & Sword.

In 1912, TOM Sopwith transitioned from running a flying school to manufacturing aircraft, leveraging his nautical interests to create designs purchased by Britain’s Royal Navy. The onset of the First World War solidified the Sopwith Aviation Company’s reputation with aircraft like the Sopwith Camel widely used onboard the ships of the day. After the war, cancellations of government orders forced Sopwith Aviation into liquidation, However, a new company, the HG Hawker Engineering Company, was quickly formed, having been named after Sopwith’s test pilot, Harry Hawker. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Hawker produced designs that continued to be purchased by the Royal Navy, being used on the early aircraft carriers as well as the larger vessels of the fleet. With the outbreak of the Second World War, the RN’s Fleet Air Arm found itself woefully unprepared for battle, having mainly biplanes and slow monoplanes with which to face the modern German fighters and bombers. As a temporary solution, Hawker adapted the Hurricane into the Sea Hurricane. Hawker later developed advanced piston-engine fighters like the Fury and its naval counterpart, the Sea Fury, which saw action during the Korean War and Suez Crisis in 1956. The Sea Fury was succeeded by Hawker’s first jet, the Sea Hawk, marking the Fleet Air Arm’s transition into the jet age. The Sea Hawk also served the Indian Navy during its conflicts with Pakistan. Hawker’s successful Hunter, although primarily for the RAF, was used by the Royal Navy for land-based operations. Meanwhile, Hawker’s next design, the ground breaking Harrier, was ordered as the Sea Harrier; it saw action during the Falklands War, and, in due course, in the conflict in the former Yugoslavia and in Iraq. From its earliest days then, the Hawker Aircraft Company has supplied winning designs to the Royal Navy and to many navies overseas, a feat that few other companies could match.

The 232 Page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release scheduled for April 30.

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For Sale: Three Harrier Package, Including “World’s Only Civilian Owned and Certified Sea Harrier”

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A three Harrier aircraft package has hit the market, which reportedly includes Sea Harrier FA-2 N94422 (S/N XZ-439, pictured above), touted as “the world’s only civilian owned and certified Sea Harrier.” The listing states (in part):

Includes: FA-2 SEA HARRIER One of the most in-demand aircraft for airshow acts in the United States! There are many possible uses for this aircraft including: airshows, training, flight experiences, military contract work, advertising and promotional work. TMK-8 HARRIER Dual Controlled, Near Certification! GR-3 HARRIER Very Complete. Excellent Source for Spares! Support Equipment, Engines, Manuals, Rotables, and a Travel Support Kit also Included.

Click below to check out specific details about the individual aircraft.

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“Combat Flown” Harrier Cockpit Section Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A “combat flown” Harrier cockpit section has hit the market. The listing states (in part):

Selling A Vintage Used 15 Ft. X 8 Ft. section of an Original AV 8B Harrier Aircraft flown in combat missions by Capt. C. A. Haggard. Aircraft Serial Number 163179. Comes with 2 dolly wheel casters under it. Can be rolled around. It comes with the deployed parachute in a box, and also the down draft Titanium Vertical Turbine discharge.

The section is located in Ellijay, Georgia and is currently being offered for US $18,500, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

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Kinetic Models Shares Update on Upcoming Harrier GR.1 Kit

After receiving many inquiries, Kinetic Models has provided an update on its highly anticipated 1/48 Harrier GR.1 kit (48060).

The company states, “Same as our T-Harrier, this GR1 fueslage, cockpit, in take will be tooled according to our latest tooling quality. So, for those who has the T-Harrier, you know what you will get.”

The GR.1 is also said to have a product code assigned and CAD prepared (although not final round). It is slated to be released in time for the Telford model show in November with pre-orders expected to launch at the end of August.

Click below to check out an additional image.

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“Time Capsule Condition” Harrier Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

Harrier GR3 XZ132 has hit the market. The listing states (in part):

Classic British Cold War Iconic Warbird. Rare opportunity. Ideal investment portfolio piece. Described in the press as being in ‘Time capsule condition’. XZ132 has great provenance serving with all the RAF Harrier Squadrons inc RAF Germany during the Cold War, Belize and the Falklands. XZ132 was one of the aircraft prepared for operation Corporate to retake the Falklands Islands in 1982. Over 50kg of paperwork included. Rolls Royce Pegasus Mk103 included. Externally complete. Cockpit very complete with the original Mk9A ejection seat installed (inert). Last flown: 8/10/90. Total Hrs: 3193

The machine, located in Selby, United Kingdom, is described as “decommissioned Ex UK MOD surplus equipment and not sold as airworthy.”

Check out the links below for additional information.

(Jet Art Aviation Ltd via Barnstormers Image: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)

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Temporary Home Sought For Restored Harrier That Won 1969 Transatlantic Race

A temporary home is being sought for a newly restored Harrier with a historic past.

The aircraft (XV741) won the transatlantic race from London to New York in 1969, an event held by the Daily Mail to commemorate the original 1919 flight by Alcock and Brown. Departing from a coalfield near St. Pancras, RAF test pilot Tom Lecky-Thompson flew the machine to the Empire State Building in 6 hrs 11 mins and 57 seconds.

XV741 was recently restored by Jet Art Aviation, Ltd. in a process that included the removal of 17 layers of paint. The aircraft is reportedly being kept in a hangar just south of York, and while it does have an eventual home, the owner would like the jet to be placed on public display “in a suitable museum environment so the aircraft and restoration work can be enjoyed by the public, especially for the 50th anniversary of the race next year.”

A loan period of up to 3 years would be considered.

Click below to check out recent restoration updates.

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