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.

There are current three base models serving with the RAF:

• GR7/7A
• GR9/9A
• T10/12

GR7/7A

The GR7 is now regarded as a legacy aircraft in some respects. There are very few left, infact very soon there will be none. The RAF is currently engaged in a long term project to upgrade the entire Harrier fleet to the more capable and effective GR9 spec. The basic airframe is almost identical to the USMC's AV-8B Harrier II (Night Attack) airframe. But that where almost all similarities end. With a few exceptions the US and British aircraft are quite different beasts in many ways. They have different avionics, engines and weapons systems. As well as slightly different capabilities and range.

A number of the GR7s were fitted with a more powerful engine and redesignated the GR7A. As withthe AV-8B, 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.

GR9/9A

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 differnce between the GR9 and GR9A is due to thier heritage. A GR9 is a stock GR7 airframe that was upgraded directly to the final GR9 spec comprising of a new Pegasus 105 turbofan. The GR9A are upgraded from the GR7A and they retain the earlier Pegasus 107 turbofans.

The improved aircraft now equip Joint Force Harrier squadrons crewed by both Royal Air Force and Royal Navy personnel, following the withdrawal from service of Royal Navy Sea Harrier aircraft. JFH force consists of four front-line squadrons and one Operational Conversion Unit. The RAF supplies 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.

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.

T10/12

The final versions are the two-seat T10 and 12. The 10 is the trainer for the GR7 and 7A aircraft and the T12 is the upgraded GR9 spec trainer. which, when not used as a training aircraft, can also be used in combat. Although its possible its not really been done.

Source: Royal Air Force Website - GR7
Source: Royal Air Force Website - GR9
Source: Wikipedia

ArmA 2

The model has evoved through the many game engines since we started modding. I really cant tell you how many times its been rebuilt but its one of my favourites. I made the original model for OFP but due to work commitments and engine limits it never quite made it into public release. I've recently rebuilt the cockpit and underside for more detail and better poly flow. But it still sits comfortably below 10k faces.

Pre Release Development Screen shots

RKSL Features

• High Detail Model.
• Greatly Improved Flight Model.
• AI Friendly handling
• Detailed and fully instrumented cockpit.
• Detailed Animated Landing gear inc: Dampers
• Working and Properly modeled flaps and LIDs.
• Working Air brake
• Working Sniper Laser Designation Pod. (Dependant on scripted solution to turret limits)
• IR Camera (ARBS) - Dependant on scripted solution and HUD integration
• RWR as part of the FCSS system
• RKSL True VTOL v4 - ie proper nozzle vector control.*

* I'm not a huge fan of the BIS Harrier's VTOL mode so in the short term it currently uses the X-35's VTOL setup allowing you to hover and land easily on the LHD or Carrier's deck.

As with the EuroFighter the Harrier will require the UK Airweapons pack. RE International versions. I have no plans for any other version of the Harriers at the moment since to do it accurately it would require remodelling various bits of the mesh and changing the UV layout to suit. But im not going to say I wont change my mind later if there is demand.

Early Development Screen shots

Videos

None available at this time.