This is the latest in the long line of Harrier 'Jump Jets' originating from the 1960s. The second-generation GR5 and GR7 versions replaced the original Harrier GR3s in the late 1980s / early 1990s in the offensive support role. The GR7 is, in essence, a licence-built American-designed AV-8B Harrier II fitted with RAF-specific navigation and defensive systems as well as other changes including additional underwing pylons for Sidewinder missiles. The improved design of the GR7 allows the aircraft to carry twice the load of a GR3 over the same distance or the same load twice the distance. First flight of the Harrier GR7 was in 1989, and deliveries to RAF squadrons began in 1990. A total of 96 aircraft were ordered, including 62 interim GR5s which were later modified to GR7 standard.

Fully operational with three front line squadrons and the Operational Conversion Unit, the aircraft carries forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) equipment which, when used in conjunction with the pilot's night vision goggles (NVGs), provides a night, low level capability. Although optimised for low level operations at subsonic speeds, the Harrier is also ideally suited to medium level operations where it utilises its highly accurate angle rate bombing system (ARBS) which employs a TV and laser dual mode tracker (DMT). Despite the inclusion of state-of-the-art technology, the Harrier remains a highly versatile aircraft and can easily be deployed to remote forward operating locations and this capablility is regularly practiced during exercises. The Harrier T10, two-seat trainer version of the GR7, came into service in 1995 and is fully operationally capable.

Recent operational deployments for the Harriers have been to Italy in support of NATO and UN operations in Bosnia and Serbia, and to the Gulf embarked on Royal Navy aircraft carriers. This type of joint deployment is a prelude to the setting up of Joint Force 2000 - the combining of RAF Harrier and RN Sea Harrier assets into one joint-controlled force announced in the Strategic Defence Review. Other major changes will see both Germany-based squadrons (Nos 3 and 4) leave RAF Laarbruch when it closes in March 1999 for RAF Cottesmore to team up with No 1 Sqn which will relocate from nearby RAF Wittering.

Span: 30ft 4in (9.24m)

Length: 46ft 4in (14.12m)

Max Speed: 661mph (1,065km/h)

Armament: Two 25mm cannon on under-fuselage stations. Up to sixteen Mk 82 or six Mk 83 bombs, six BL-755 cluster bombs, four Maverick ASMs, or 10 rocket pods on seven wing stations.

Accommodation: GR7: Pilot only, T10: Pilot and pupil in tandem.

Recognition: The sharply anhederal wing and tailplane, and the large air intakes of the Pegasus engine make the Harrier very distinctive. The undercarriage is also unusual, in that the main wheels and nose wheel retract in tandem into the fuselage and there are two outrigger wheels that retract into housings on the wing at about two-thirds span. The cockpit glazing is large and pronounced on all versions.

Harrier GR7 with T10 side-view (bottom right)