The Harrier has a special role among combat aircraft. It can take off and land vertically and reach a maximum speed close to the sound barrier. This makes it ideal both as a fighter and for ground support. The Harrier first needed to show its capabilities in earnest in 1982 in the Falklands War where it was to become a decisive weapons system. The co-operation between British Aerospace and McDonnell Douglas led to joint further developments culminating in the night attack-capable AV-8B Harrier II. It is best equipped to meet the changed requirements of the military and in particular the RAF, which must again act globally. The new Harrier Mk.7 series was converted from the existing Harrier Mk.5. During this process some of the new machines received the more powerful Pegasus Mk. 107 engine with 11,067 kp thrust. At present 70 aircraft from the Mk.7 series are destined for conversion to the Mk.9 which is externally identical. The avionics and weapons management electronics have been completely upgraded and a new APG-65 radar has been built into the nose. These modifications enable the Harrier to carry the latest SMART weapons such as Paveway TV bombs. In future the new Harrier GR Mk.9 will be used jointly by the Fleet Air Arm pilots and Royal Air Force pilots on land and sea as a Joint Force Harrier. Model details: Surface details with recessed panel lines; detailed cockpit; detailed ejector seat; movable propelling nozzles; and super decals for 2 RAF versions.
 | This plastic model kit requires plastic cement and paint for assembly, and they are sold separately. |
