Second world war fighter harrier. Multipurpose fighter Harrier GR.3. Literature and sources of information

The British Aerospace Harrier GR.3 fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft that takes off vertically or with a short takeoff run is a development of the Hawker P.1127 and Kestrel FGA.1 prototypes, and since 1969 has been in service with the British Air Force, becoming the first combat VTOL aircraft abroad. VTOL aircraft Harrier GR.3 designed to support ground forces and frontline reconnaissance, designed as a weapon system and adapted for autonomous combat operations in dispersal conditions. In 1966, the British Air Force ordered the first batch of 78 Harrier GR.1 single-seat fighter-bombers and 13 Harrier T.2 two-seat trainer aircraft, on the basis of which a number of modifications were created.

Development of VTOL aircraft Harrier GR.3(translated "Lun") was launched in 1965 in accordance with the requirements of the British Air Force, taking into account the experience of the development of the prototype Kestrel FGA.1 aircraft and the project of the Hawker P.1154 supersonic fighter-bomber. The requirements provided for the provision of high flight characteristics, not inferior to the characteristics of conventional fighter-bombers designed to attack ground targets with direct support of troops, in combination with maximum independence from airfields. The last requirement provided for both required condition the use of vertical take-off or take-off with a short take-off run, as well as the use of a landing gear that provides operation from unprepared sites and maintenance on its own.

To ensure the efficient operation of the Harrier GR.3 VTOL aircraft, it was important that the additional costs associated with vertical take-off or short take-off are acceptable. Since the measure of the success of a combat sortie is the combat effectiveness, determined by the weight of the combat load and the accuracy of its delivery, the goal was that in this respect the VTOL Harrier GR.3 not only was not inferior to conventional aircraft, but also had advantages over them. Compared to conventional VTOL aircraft, the Harrier GR.3 can:
to disperse on elementary prepared takeoff and landing sites near the combat areas, which reduces the damageability and shortens the time of retaliation;
to provide quick response actions, carrying out operations to support ground forces in the areas of hostilities;
deliver more weapons per flight hour when performing direct support missions.

The first pre-production VTOL aircraft Harrier GR.1 made its first flight on August 31, 1966, the first serial VTOL aircraft was built in October 1967, and the first flight took place on December 28, 1967. In April 1969, the British Air Force formed the first squadron of 12 Harrier GR.3 aircraft and began their exploitation. In total, the firms "British Aerospace" and "McDonnell Douglas" built 351 VTOL "Harrier" and "Sea Harrier" of all modifications, and then another 395 VTOL aircraft "Harrier II", which are in service with the Air Force and Navy of Great Britain, the US Marine Corps and the Navy Spain, Italy and India, although initially it was assumed that about 2,000 VTOL aircraft would be built to replace the Hunter aircraft. This was due to the fact that the "Harrier" VTOL aircraft had an oversized power plant weighing 1600 kg. Despite the use of a lightweight structure, the relative mass of the structure was 71%, and the entire payload was only 29%, which significantly limited the mass of the payload and the combat radius.

The following modifications were made:
Harrier GR.1- with turbojet engine "Pegas" 6 Mk.1 (takeoff thrust 8620 kg), serially produced in December 1967-1971. for the British Air Force, six pre-production and 78 production aircraft were built, later 50 aircraft were modified to the Harrier GR.3 version;

Harrier GR.3- an improved version of the Harrier GR.1 with TPDD "Pegasus" 6 Mk.102 (take-off thrust 9070 kgf) was produced in series since January 1967. In total, 120 Harrier GR.1 and Harrier GR.3 aircraft were built for the British Air Force;

Harrier T.2- a two-seater training version with the Pegasus 6 Mk.101 turbojet engine, has a fuselage extended by 3.12 m. The first flight took place in April 1969;

Harrier T.2A- a variant of the Harrier T.2 aircraft with the Pegasus 6 Mk.102 turbojet engine. Aircraft Harrier T.2 and Harrier T.2A were mass-produced in 1969-1972. In total, two pre-production and 12 serial VTOL aircraft were built for the British Air Force, of which 10 were later modified into the Harrier T.4 version;

Harrier T.4- a two-seater trainer aircraft with a Pegas 11 Mk.103 turbojet engine (takeoff thrust 9750 kgf);

Harrier Mk. 252- two-seater aircraft for demonstration flights, similar to Harrier T.4, built in one copy;

Harrier AV-8A- Harrier GR.3 variant for the United States Marine Corps. The first serial VTOL aircraft was built in November 1970. 102 aircraft were delivered, of which 47 were modified into an improved version of the Harrier AV-8C;

Harrier TAV-8A- double training version of the US Marine Corps;

Sea Harrier FRS.1- deck VTOL aircraft for the British Navy, made its first flight on August 20, 1976, in service since September 1979, delivered 73 Sea Harrier FRS.1 and Sea Harrier FRS.2 VTOL aircraft for the British Navy, including 4 two-seat training T. Mk.4N. VTOL Sea Harrier FRS.1 are based on three aircraft-carrying ships of the Invincible class, each of them accommodates 5 VTOL aircraft FRS.1 and 9 helicopters of the Sea Harrier submarine King (in wartime the number of VTOL aircraft can be increased to 12-15). To improve the takeoff characteristics of the aircraft and increase the combat load during takeoff from the ship, a short takeoff run is used using the Ski Jump springboard (with an inclination angle of 7-12 °);

Harrier AV-8S Matador- an option for the Spanish Navy. 12 Harrier Mk.50 aircraft were built (including two two-seater TAV-8S), 8 more ordered, based on the aircraft carriers Daedalo and Principe Asturias;

Harrier FRS.51- deck VTOL aircraft for the Indian Navy, which ordered 23 aircraft, including two two-seater T.M. 60. The delivered VTOL aircraft are based on the Vikrant aircraft carrier and the Hermes helicopter carrier.

Harrier GR.5- the development of the Harrier GR.1 and Harrier GR.3 aircraft with the Pegasus Mk.105 turbojet engine with a thrust of 9750 kgf and improved equipment was also carried out for the US ILC under the designation AV-8B;

Airplane Harrier GR.3 made according to the scheme of a monoplane with one lift-and-march turbojet engine and a bicycle chassis. It is a development of the experienced Hawker P.1127 and Kestrel FGA.1 VTOL aircraft. The fuselage is an all-metal semi-monocoque type. The power set is made of aluminum alloys, steel and titanium. The cockpit is one-seater, pressurized, in training variants - two-seater. The ejection seat Martin-Bakesr 9A Mk.2 provides ejection from the aircraft on the ground or in hover flight; it is possible to eject through the glazing of the lantern with a thickness of 8 mm. Stensel SIIIS-3 ejection seats are installed on Harrier AV-8S aircraft.

The wing is swept-type coffered type, has three spars and a milled skin, there are cuts on the toe. The wing also has two small aerodynamic ridges and 24 turbulators. Lateral angle V = - 12 °, installation angle 1 ° 45 ". Relative aspect ratio of the wing 3.175, narrowing 0.336. Sweep angle along the leading edge 40 °, along the 1/4 chord line 34 °. Root chord of the wing (along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft) 3 , 25 m, MAR 2.42 m. The relative thickness of the profile at the root 10%, at the end 3.3%. At the ends of the wing there are fairings for the underwing landing gear. For ferry flights, wingtips are attached to the ends of the wing, increasing the wing span by 1.34 m and an area of ​​up to 20.06 m 2, The wing mechanization consists of flaps with a total area of ​​1.29 m 2 (flap chord 0.447 m) .The maximum flap deflection angle is 50 °.

Plumage. The horizontal tail with a span of 4.24 m, all-turning, swept, has a slight break along the leading edge. The sweep angle along the 1/4 chord line is 32 ° 53 ", the transverse angle V = - 15 ° 50". The plumage area is 4.42 m2. Elongation 4.079. The range of deflection angles is from + 11 ° 15 "to - 10 ° 15". The vertical plane has an area of ​​2.4 m z (the vertical tail area on the T.2 aircraft is increased to 3.06 m 2). The sweep angle along the 1/4 chord line is 40 ° 22 ". The rudder area is 0.49 m2.

Bicycle chassis. The front support is self-orienting (turning angle (45 °), has one wheel measuring 0.66x0.2 m (pneumatic pressure 6.33 kgf / cm2 on the Harrier GR.3 aircraft and 7.03 kgf / cm2 on the T.M. 2). The main support has an oil-air shock absorber and paired wheels measuring 0.68x0.2 m, the pressure in the pneumatics is 6.33 kgf / cm2 (GR.Mk.3) and 6.68 kgf / cm2 (T.Mk.2 The underwing supports are telescopic, each has one wheel measuring 0.32x0.16 m with a pneumatic pressure of 6.68 kgf / cm2. The chassis is equipped with disc wheel brakes and automatic sliding devices, which allows the aircraft to be operated from unpaved runways.

Power point. Rolls-Royce F402-RR-401 lifting and cruising turbojet engine installed behind the cockpit; rotary nozzles are located on the sides of the fuselage. Air intakes are lateral unregulated; the total area of ​​the openings of the air intakes is 0.855 m2. There are eight flaps along the perimeter of the air intakes, which provide additional air supply in vertical flight modes. All four nozzles are rotated synchronously by a chain drive from two air motors; the maximum angle of rotation of the nozzles is 98.5 °. The engine has a three-stage fan, an eight-stage compressor high pressure, annular combustion chamber and two-stage low and high pressure turbines. Engine bypass ratio 1.4, pressure increase ratio 14. Dry engine weight (without rotary nozzles) 1405 kg. The fuel is placed in five fuselage and two wing tanks with a total capacity of 2,870 liters; under the wing, it is possible to suspend two PTBs of 455 liters each (to increase the combat radius) or 1500 liters each (for ferry flights). It is possible to install a fuel receiver rod for refueling in flight.

Control system. Ailerons, an all-turning stabilizer and a rudder are used to control the aircraft in cruise mode. Rigid type control wiring. The stabilizer and ailerons are controlled by redundant hydraulic mechanisms. Manual rudder control. To increase maneuverability in air combat, the nozzles of the turbojet engine can be rotated simultaneously with the deflection of the aerodynamic surfaces. For control in vertical modes and at low speeds, a gas dynamic control system (GDSU) is used. The system consists of five jet rudders (two are for longitudinal control and are installed in the nose and tail of the aircraft, one for directional control, located in the tail of the aircraft, and two for lateral control, installed at the ends of the wing) and a piping system. The air in the GDSU is taken from the high-pressure compressor, the GDSU is switched on automatically when the engine nozzles are turned at an angle of more than 20 °. For the consistency of the operation of the GDSU and the aerodynamic control surfaces, there is a mechanical connection between them.

Systems. Hydraulic system duplicated, operating pressure 210 kg / cm2, serves to drive control surfaces, chassis and air turbine used to drive the emergency hydraulic pump. The electrical system includes a 12 kV / A alternator and two 28 V 25 A / h batteries. The oxygen system has one liquid oxygen cylinder (capacity 5 l). The maximum pressure drop in the cabin is 0.24 kgf / cm2.

Navigation and electronic equipment. By plane Harrier GR.3 installed a HF / VHF receiver from Plessy, a spare VHF receiver, a TAC.AN system from Hoffman and an identification system from Kossor. Antennas for the AN / APN-194 radio altimeter are installed in the ventral keel. The aircraft is equipped with a Smith HUD, which is connected to a Ferranti FE541 navigation and fire control system, a Sperry C2G compass and an air data processing computer. All British Air Force Harrier GR.3 aircraft have a Ferranti 106 laser designator and rangefinder, housed in an elongated nose cone. The F.95 Mk.7 camera can be installed in the nose of the aircraft.

The Harrier FRS.1 fighter is equipped with the HUDWAC ILS, the NAVHARS inertial-Doppler system, which includes the Ferranti HARS gyro-vertical. The radio navigation equipment includes a Takan receiver and UHF beacon guidance equipment. There is a warning system for radar exposure. Radio communication is carried out using a multichannel UHF / VHF transmitter-receiver PTR-377.

Armament. Two 30 mm Aden cannons are installed under the fuselage in removable fairings. Under the wing there are four nodes for the suspension of various weapons; two internal units are designed for a load of 910 kgf, and two external ones - for 295 kgf. One ventral unit is designed for a load of 454 kgf. On airplanes Harrier GR.3 and AV-8A under the wing can be installed UR AIM-9L "Sidewinder" or AMRAAM, can be suspended up to six containers Matra 115 or 116M with NAR 68 mm, five bombs 454 kg, five cluster bombs, 10 containers with dipole reflectors. Indian Sea Harrier aircraft can be equipped with French-made Mazhik missiles instead of Sidewinder missiles. The armament of the Harrier FRS.Mk.1 and 2 aircraft was supplemented with the improved AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missile systems (four missiles can be suspended) and ALARM anti-radar missiles.

Specifications Harrier GR.3
Crew: 1 (pilot)
Dimensions:
wingspan 7.7 m
aircraft length 13.91m
aircraft height 3.43 m
wing area 18.68 m2
Engines 1 turbojet engine Rolls-Royce F402-RR-401
takeoff thrust 9750 kgf
Weights and loads:
maximum take-off during vertical take-off 8850 kg
takeoff with a takeoff run 11 400 kg
empty curb 5730 kg
fuel capacity in internal tanks 2295 kg
maximum combat load 2270 kg
Specific wing loading:
with vertical takeoff 474 kgf / m2
takeoff with takeoff run 610 kgf / m2
Flight data:
maximum speed at the ground 1175 km / h
maximum number of M when diving 1.29
practical ceiling 15 600 m
Combat radius:
with vertical takeoff and combat load 1360 kg 92 km
takeoff with a takeoff run of 180 m and a combat load of 2270 kg 230 km
Ferry range with outboard fuel tanks and ferry wingtips 3425 km
Armament:
Small arms: 2 x 30 mm Aden cannons (removable)
Suspension points: 5
Combat load:
under the fuselage and internal: 3 x 907 kg
external: 2 x 454 kg
Guided missiles: air-to-air missiles 2 x AIM-9
Unguided rockets:
16 (4 x 4) x 127 mm in LAU 10
28 (4 x 7) x 70 mm Hydra rockets in LAU 68 blocks
76 (4 x 19) x 70 mm Hydra rockets in LAU 69 blocks
Bombs: free falling:
high-explosive:
5 x 119 kg Mk. 81 or 227 kg Mk. 82
2 x 460 kg Mk. 83
incendiary: 5 x 340 kg Mk. 77
cassette:
4 x Mk.20
2 x CBU-24
Hanging fuel tanks: 2 x 454 L

After taking off from the American military base Kadena. The message about the crash of the attack aircraft was received by the Japanese Maritime Security Service at 15:30 (9:30 Moscow time). Local authorities said that the pilot of the crashed plane managed to eject. A rescue operation is carried out at the scene of the accident, the circumstances and causes of the crash are being investigated.

AiF.ru tells what the American AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft is.

McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II(English McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II) - vertical takeoff and landing attack aircraft. It is in service with the United States Marine Corps, as well as the navies of Spain and Italy. Its first flight took place on November 9, 1978.

The purpose of the aircraft

The AV-8B "Harrier" II aircraft is used for all types of air attacks: bombing from level flight, dive and dive recovery. Uses conventional and cluster bombs, laser-guided bombs, special bombs, and guided missiles. The machine is capable of conducting hostilities in favorable weather during the day and at night.

Airplane modifications

AV-8B Harrier II- the first serial modification of the AV-8B

AV-8B Night Attack- option for night operations with IR Forward Vision System

AV-8B Harrier II +- modernized in 1987 version of AV-8B with installed radar station APG-65

TAV-8B Harrier II- double training option

ЕAV-8B Мatador II- variant AV-8B for the Spanish Air Force

Harrier GR.Mk.5- variant AV-8B for the British Air Force with European-made electronics

Aircraft design

The attack aircraft is made mainly of aluminum alloys. Some of the units are made of titanium alloys. The AV-8B has a moderately swept high wing. The aircraft uses a bicycle-type landing gear with two underwing supports to facilitate takeoff from highways and from the deck of aircraft carriers. The AV-8B Harrier II engine differs from the previous versions by its increased take-off thrust.

The modern avionics used on the AV-8B Harrier II aircraft enable the aircraft to perform a wide range of missions. Instruments on the AV-8B are concentrated in the front, the controls for the main weapons, navigation, communications and identification systems are located on the top panel.

A gas-dynamic control system consisting of five valve nozzles is used to control the vertical take-off and landing modes, as well as when flying at low speeds. American aircraft are equipped with a General Electric GAU -12 / U five-barreled cannon in 25 mm caliber with 300 rounds of ammunition. Six underwing hardpoints carry two or four AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles, up to four AGM-65E Maevrik missiles, bombs, unguided aircraft missiles.

The performance characteristics of the AV-8B Harrier II

Crew: 1 (pilot)

Length: 14.12 m

Wingspan: 9.245 m

Height: 3.551 m

Wing area: 21.37 m²

1/4 chord sweep: 30.62 °

Wing elongation ratio: 4.0

Chassis base: 3.481 m (between main struts)

Chassis track: 5.182 m (between side racks)

Empty weight: 5,822 kg

Curb weight: 6,097 kg (no combat load)

Maximum takeoff weight: 14,060 kg

Fuel weight in internal tanks: 3,590 kg

Volume of fuel tanks: 4 319 l (+ 4 × 1 136 l PTB)

Powerplant: 1 × turbojet engine Rolls-Royce F402-RR-406

Thrust: 1 × 95.86 kN

Flight characteristics

Maximum speed: 1,063 km / h

Cruising speed: 706-845 km / h

Stall speed: 167-245 km / h (depending on weight)

Combat radius: 470 km (with 6 × Mk.82 bombs without PTB)

Practical range: 2,502 km (without PTB without combat load)

Ferry range: 3,293 km (with PTB without combat load)

Service ceiling: 12 710 m

Rate of climb: 81 m / s (without PTB without combat load with full fuel supply)

Wing loading: 658 kg / m² (at maximum takeoff weight)

Thrust-to-weight ratio:

no combat load: 1,016 (with full fuel)

at maximum takeoff weight: 0.695

Takeoff run: 466 m (at maximum takeoff weight)

The length of the run: 433-561 m (depending on the landing weight)

Armament

Small arms: 1 × 25 mm GAU-12 cannon with 300 pat. (removable)

Suspension points: 7

under the fuselage: 454 kg

internal: 2 × 907 kg

central: 2 × 454 kg

external: 2 × 286 kg

Guided missiles:

air-to-air missiles: 4 × AIM-9L Sidewinder

air-to-air missiles: 6 × AIM-120 Amraam (For the AV-8B Harrier PLUS version equipped with a bow radar)

air-to-surface missiles: 4 × AGM-65E Maverick

Unguided rockets:

10 × 4 × 127 mm in LAU 10A / A units

10 × 7 × 70 mm Hydra rockets in LAU 68B / A blocks

10 × 19 × 70 mm Hydra missiles in LAU 61A / A blocks

Bombs: free falling:

high-explosive:

15 × 119 kg Mk. 81 or 227 kg Mk. 82

6 × 460 kg Mk. 83

cassette: 12 × Mk.20

incendiary: 10 × Mk. 77

adjustable:

Hanging fuel tanks: 4 × 1 136 l

Hawker Siddeley Harrier(Harrier) Is a family of vertical take-off and landing multi-role fighters developed by the British company Hawker Siddeley in the 1960s. It is the most successful VTOL aircraft. Aircraft modifications were produced in Great Britain (British Aerospace) and the USA (McDonnell Douglas).

Harrier history

In 1954, the French aircraft designer Michel Vibault developed a VTOL aircraft project based on the Orion engine. Having patented the technology, he turned to the leadership of NATO development and received the task from him, together with Bristol Engines, to create a new engine for such an aircraft. The Orion engine was too weak for a combat VTOL aircraft and in its place, a new power plant based on the Orpheus engine was soon installed. The complex, called B.E.53, was demonstrated at the Le Bourget air show, where Hawker engineers met him. They entered into joint work with the creators of the power plant - this is how a modified and unique of its kind appeared power point B.E. 53 Pegasus.

The engine was installed on the Hawker P.1127 prototype, which was created as a reconnaissance aircraft. Since 1960, the aircraft has been actively tested and, finally, in 1962, for the first time made a vertical landing on the aircraft carrier Arc Royal. By 1963, a sixth prototype was produced with an improved engine, new wing and equipment. Soon Hawker produced 6 aircraft for joint testing of the Air Forces of Great Britain, the USA and the Federal Republic of Germany. In 1965, on the basis of prototypes, an aircraft was created with characteristics that fully meet NATO requirements. This is how the Harrier was born.

During the flight tests carried out, the aircraft flew 1,700 hours, making takeoffs and landings day and night, on forest and city sites, on the decks of attack aircraft carriers and small vessels.

In 1967, despite the emerging financial difficulties, Hawker Siddeley finally received an order from the RAF for the production of 60 single-seat and ten double-seater combat trainers - brand T.2. In April 1969, these aircraft, designated Harrier GR.1, entered service with the 1st RAF Squadron based in Wittering.

Harrier Video: Video of taxiing, vertical takeoff and fighter flight at Yuma 2013, USA

Harrier design

A vertical take-off and landing aircraft, a single-seat all-metal high-wing aircraft of normal aerodynamic design with a bicycle chassis. It is equipped with one Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine with four rotary nozzles located in pairs to the left and right of the fuselage - under the center section and in the aft section: the former create thrust with cold compressed air from the engine's primary circuit, the latter - with hot engine exhaust.

Modifications

The first production series of aircraft was designated the Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1 and was a direct development of the Kestrel prototype. Manufactured at factories in Kingston upon Thames and Dunsfold, Surrey. The plane performed its first flight on December 28, 1967, and in 1969 entered service with the British Air Force. In the early 1970s, it entered service with the United States Marine Corps and the British Navy.

The next modification of the aircraft was the Harrier GR.3 with an improved laser targeting system and slightly increased engine power. This modification with some changes (two automatic 30-mm ADEN cannons and two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles were installed), it was also produced for export under the designation AV-8A: 113 vehicles were produced for the US Marine Corps and the Spanish Navy. In total, more than 10 modifications of the first generation of the Harrier family have been developed:

GR.1, GR.1A, GR.3, double training options T.2 / T.2A / T4; export modifications for the USA: AV-8A / AV-8C, training double TAV-8A; export modifications for Spain (and later - Thailand): AV-8S Matador (designation in the Spanish Navy VA-1 Matador, internal designation of the developer Mk 53 and Mk 55).

Harrier fighter scheme

The Harrier assault fighter-bomber is an aircraft made in Britain. It is distinguished by excellent characteristics, the possibility of vertical take-off and landing, as well as structural transformations. The first flight on this unit was made in the distant one thousand nine hundred and sixtieth year. For many years it has been used in the armies of the USA, Spain, Thailand, and Great Britain. is constantly being improved, has several modifications.

GR-1 series: description

In fact, the Harrier is an aircraft that for the first time in the history of aviation was able to make a vertical takeoff and landing. First prototype took off in the fall of 1960. Serial production began seven years later. In one thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine, the first squadron of the British Air Force was formed, consisting of twenty-one units of the aircraft in question.

The main purpose of the aircraft of this series is to support the ground forces. This is due to the high maneuverability and the ability to operate in different climatic regions. The range of heights at which the unit is oriented is from three to fourteen thousand kilometers. The construction uses materials from aluminum, titanium and magnesium alloys. In addition, some parts of the body and assemblies are made of composite components and high-strength steel.

Equipment

Engine and related units

Harrier GR-1 US military jet fighters are powered by a Rolls Roys Bristol turbine jet powertrain. It is attached in four places to the frames of the central fuselage section. The rotation of the nozzles is carried out by means of a pneumatic motor. A change in the braking and take-off thrust vector is the ability to change the position in flight by at least ninety degrees.

The aircraft is corrected in space as follows:

  • operating four compressors, aggregating with the air duct in the bow and tail;
  • three nozzles, which are located in the rear beam and serve as tonnage control;
  • a pair of exhaust elements designed for channel control.

The reactive engagement system is activated during vertical takeoff and landing in low-speed flight mode (the motor nozzles switch the mode to twenty or more degrees).

Specifications

"Harrier" - a combat aircraft in the first series has the following parameters:

  • year of release - 1969;
  • wingspan / wing area - 7700/1868 meters;
  • length / height - 13.87, 3.43 meters;
  • weight - five and a half tons;
  • maximum take-off weight - 11, 34 tons;
  • engine - Pegasus Mk-101 with a thrust of 8160 kg / s;
  • speed indicators (cruising / maximum value) - 1185/1360 kilometers per hour;
  • flight resource without refueling - 3700 km;
  • combat radius - one thousand two hundred kilometers;
  • the crew consists of one pilot;

The Harrier fighter-bomber is equipped with five hardpoints that carry standard weapons. It includes:

  • the thirty-millimeter Aden cannon;
  • two guided missiles AIM-9D;
  • similar air-to-ground projectiles;
  • cluster bombs, incendiary analogs, 450 kg bombs;
  • other ammunition, interchangeable with the named devices

In addition, the aircraft can be equipped with Type launchers, NUR-type weapons or a unit with a reconnaissance system.

Harrier GR-3: at a glance

The multipurpose fighter differs from its predecessor in an improved engine. Its take-off thrust is within 9753 kilograms. The fuselage remained virtually unchanged. The fuel consumption for all classes of the aircraft under consideration is quite high, which is typical for similar vehicles with vertical takeoff.

The standard equipment of the jet engine includes an air refueling system, a laser-type rangefinder, and frontal sensors. The features of the fighter include the following:

  • in service - a pair of thirty-millimeter Aden cannons, located under the fuselage;
  • the ability to install rocket-propelled ammunition "Matra";
  • sighting attachments Ferranti ";
  • equipping with radio stations with reception of various waves.

In the United States, the Marines have been manning the aircraft in question since one thousand nine hundred and seventieth. In addition, this unit was mastered by the air squadrons of Great Britain and Germany. The machines were in serial production for about two decades.

Performance characteristics of the airplane GR-3

Consider the tactical and technical parameters of an assault fighter:

  • adopted for service - 1970;
  • height / length - 3.45 / 13.87 meters;
  • wing (span / area) - 7.7 m / 18.68 sq. m;
  • maximum takeoff weight - eleven and a half tons;
  • internal fuel (weight) - 2.29 tons.

Combat aircraft "Harrier GR-3" is capable of accelerating over one thousand three hundred kilometers per hour, with a practical flight range of 3425 km. The crew still includes one pilot, the possibility of combat defeat is five hundred and twenty kilometers.

GR-5 Series

In one thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine, the fifth version was replenished with Harrier fighters. The main difference from the previous modification was the increased combat load and range. The aircraft is designed for air reconnaissance and direct assistance to ground forces. Vertical take-off and landing remained unchanged, as well as general structure cars.

The device is a cantilever monoplane, which is equipped with wings with a high placement, a bicycle chassis, a single-keel tail trim. When creating this model, composite materials were actively used. The non-separable wing has a thickened profile that is resistant to critical loads. Wingspan and wing area increased. These elements are aggregated with overhanging ailerons that deflect according to the position of the nozzles.

Structural changes

The US and British fighters of this series have an improved wing design that increases air resistance and reduces the aircraft's top speed. However, this disadvantage is compensated for by changing the elements associated with the fuselage and the arrangement of air intakes.

The main external parts are made of graphite, epoxy, aluminum alloys. The protection under the fuselage and the plane in front of the windshield have a titanium base. A place is provided between the landing gear legs for mounting a special box, which consists of a transverse transforming flap, longitudinal fixed ridges. It serves as a reflector for exhaust gases during takeoff. This solution made it possible to increase lift almost half a ton. The Hawker Siddeley Harrier cockpit is designed for one pilot, has an air conditioning system, a high seat position and a survey floodlight.

Fuel and engine system

The considered modification is equipped with a turbine jet power unit, which has the option of changing the direction of the thrust vector. The maximum static thrust is 9870 kg / s. A four-second engine chopper operates in the event of a vertical landing at elevated temperatures. The onboard oxygen system, flight control unit and pressurization are aggregated with a compressed air compressor.

US and British Harrier fighters have a fuel block that is not much different from its predecessor. By increasing the capacity of the tanks, the tanks can hold up to four thousand liters each. Also, on the model under consideration, additional provision of fuel in the air and the possibility of installing additional suspended-type tanks are provided.

The technical side of the aircraft GR-5

The fighter is equipped with a pair of 25 mm caliber Aden under-fuselage cannons (the ammunition load includes two hundred charges). The rest of the armament is located at several points of the suspension. The kit can include bombs and missiles of different types.

Specifications:

  • commissioning - one thousand nine hundred and eighty-seventh;
  • wing parameters - span (9.25 m) / area (21.37 sq. m);
  • length / height - 14.1 / 3.5 meters;
  • unladen weight of the aircraft - 6.25 tons;
  • combat radius - five hundred meters;
  • maximum speed - 1150 kilometers per hour;
  • practical range - 3,825 km.

Trainer aircraft of this brand have similar characteristics, with the exception of a complete combat kit.

Modification GR-7

"Harrier-2" under the designation GR-7 is the most common model, which is part of the armed forces of Great Britain. The machine is manufactured jointly by British and American companies.

Aircraft technical parameters:

  • length / height - 14.53 / 3.55 meters;
  • span / wing area - 9.25 m / 21.37 sq. m;
  • engines - Rolls-Royce-Pegasus Mk-105;
  • takeoff weight limit - ten and a half tons;
  • practical movement - 15 and a quarter kilometers;
  • the composition of the crew - one pilot;
  • combat range - 2.7 km;
  • the fuel supply is almost nine thousand liters.

In addition, the aircraft is armed with a pair of Aden cannons, nine hardpoints for additional ammunition and launchers for guided missiles.

Harrier GR-9

This modification received two main differences from its predecessors. The integrated weapons program has been improved, which is designed to use a wide range of high-precision weapons of various calibers. In addition, a powerful engine from the same Rolls-Royce appeared under the number Mk-107.

"Harrier" - the aircraft, which in the latest modification is built taking into account the latest weapons and air defense protection systems, equipped with an extremely informative instrument panel and a warning system about the approach to the landing pad. The first flight on the aircraft in question was made in the year two thousand and one. There are developments of two-seater cars equipped with a less powerful motor with the IWP system.

GR-9 characteristics

This aircraft has the following parameters:

  • length / height - 14.3 / 5.5 m;
  • wingspan - nine meters;
  • wing area - twenty one square meters;
  • fighter weight (maximum) - fourteen tons;
  • tractive effort - 10.75 tons;
  • maximum speed at maximum altitude - 1198 km / h;
  • combat range - two thousand seven hundred kilometers.

The aircraft is equipped with standard weapons for this class, as well as bombs with optical guidance and reconnaissance systems such as PU NUR.

Finally

Attack fighter "Harrier" is rightfully included in the category of "the best military aircraft in the world." It has vertical takeoff and landing, has a large direct flight reserve and has excellent armament. If we compare it with the domestic analogue "Yak-38". It can be noted that the British counterpart is superior to its rival in many ways. Considering the first series of vehicles, in some aspects the Yak is more enduring and more maneuverable. Improved versions of the British aircraft have practically no competition among peers in the type of aircraft.

In favor of the aircraft in question is further evidenced by the interest in it of the most developed air forces in countries such as Germany, Great Britain and the United States of America. Multifunctionality, reliability, good equipment and high speed- the determining factors for the success of the Harrier fighter.

Airplane Harrier is the first serial combat aircraft in the world practice of aircraft construction, capable of vertical or short take-off and landing. The creation of the Harrier was preceded by lengthy tests of the R-1127 Kestrel vertical take-off and landing aircraft created by Hawker Siddeley, the prototype of which made its first flight on November 24, 1960. Serial production of Harrier fighters began in 1967, and in 1969 the first combat squadron (12 vehicles), which became part of the British Air Force.

A feature of the aircraft is its power plant, which consists of one turbojet bypass engine with a variable direction of the thrust vector. The thrust vector direction is changed by two pairs of rotary nozzles located on the sides of the fuselage. They rotate synchronously at 98.5╟, allowing the use of engine thrust for vertical takeoff and landing. The side air intakes have flaps that open into the channel in vertical take-off and low-speed flight modes and provide an increase in air consumption. There is a system for bleeding air to the jet control nozzles. For vertical take-off, the engine is accelerated to the take-off speed, the aircraft is held back by the brakes, the engine nozzles are directed backward. They then swing all the way down and the plane is lifted off the ground. Takeoff with a small takeoff is carried out when the nozzles are set to some intermediate position. Landing can be done vertically, with low or normal range.

The aircraft has a fuselage made mainly of aluminum alloys, in front of which there is a pressurized cockpit equipped with an ejection seat. The engine and fuel tanks are located in the middle part of the fuselage, and the longitudinal and directional control jet nozzles are located in the tail (in the fairing). In flight, the chassis of the bicycle circuit retracts into the fuselage, and the supporting struts at the ends of the wings rotate back.

The electronic equipment of British Harrier aircraft is based on the Ferranti FE541 inertial sighting and navigation system, which provides autonomous aircraft access to the target, aiming, bombing, missile launching and cannon firing. In addition, the aircraft are equipped with KB and VHF radio stations, short-range navigation equipment "TAKAN" and radar identification.

The aircraft's armament includes two suspended cannon installations with 30-mm Aden cannons, placed under the fuselage. In addition, there are five nodes for the suspension of various weapons and fuel tanks with a total weight of 2300 kg.

Aircraft modifications:

Harrier GR.Mk I, 1A and 3 - single-seat attack aircraft and scout.

Harrier T.Mk 2, 2A, 4, 4A and 4RN- two-seater all-weather and training aircraft with a longer fuselage.

Harrier Mk 50- modification for the US Marine Corps, structurally similar to the GR.Mk 1.

Harrier Mk 54- two-seater modification with a different engine.

Sea harrier FRS.1- a naval version for use as a fighter, attack aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft.

Sea harrier PRS.2- a modernized version of the Sea Harrier FRS.1 aircraft based on the experience of battles in the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands.

Harrier GR.Mk 5- a tactical fighter for the British Air Force, created jointly by British Aerospace and McDonnell Douglas.

Harrier GR.Mk 7- further development of the Harrier GR.Mk 5, the aircraft is capable of conducting combat operations at night, for which it is equipped with a high-resolution forward-looking IR station and other equipment.

The performance characteristics of the aircraftHarrierGR.3:

Year of adoption - 1970

Wingspan, m - 7.7

Aircraft length, m - 13.87

Aircraft height, m ​​- 3.45

Wing area, sq.m - 18.68

Empty aircraft - 6140

Maximum takeoff - 11430.

Combat load weight:

When taking off with a short takeoff run - 3600

with vertical takeoff - 2300

Fuel, kg

Domestic fuel - 2295

PTB - 2400

Engine type and thrust - 1 turbojet engine Pegasus Mk. 103 (1 х 8750 kgf)

Maximum speed at altitude, km / h - 1350

Maximum speed at the ground, km / h - 1180

Practical range, km - 3425

Combat radius of action, km - 520

Practical ceiling, m - 15200

Maximum operational overload - 7.8

Crew, people - 1

Armament:

2 30 mm Aden cannons with 200 rounds per cannon. Combat load - 2300 kg on nine hardpoints: four under each wing console and one under the fuselage between the cannon mountings. On two underwing units located in front of the underwing landing gear, launchers are installed for the AIM-9L Sidewinder UR of the short-range air-to-air class. On the rest of the nodes, bombs for various purposes, launchers of unguided aircraft missiles and fuel tanks can be suspended.
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