Menu
11/10/2006
UK's iconic Harrier upgraded
The latest version of the UK's Harrier strike aircraft has been unveiled.
It is claimed that the refitted Harrier, which is capable of vertical landing and take-off, with this state-of-the-art technology will acheive a doubling of its effectiveness as a precision ground attack aircraft.
Under the programme 69 of the single-seater aircraft will be delivered under a programme which is being carried out by BAE Systems in partnership with the MOD at RAF Cottesmore in Lincs.
The upgrades will allow the aircraft to use advanced new precision weaponry, new communications and avionics systems.
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said: "The Harrier has proved itself time and time again as an excellent aircraft - from the Falkands conflict to current operations in Afghanistan but we are always improving our capabilities and the integration of this technology will allow the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy to hit a wider range of targets at longer range, with greater precision and at less risk to our aircrew than ever before.
"With the incorporation of our advanced new Precision Guided Bomb next year the GR9 doubles the Harrier's precision bombing capability while offering greater accuracy, range and reduced pilot workload. It will also carry the Brimstone missile - a true fire and forget all-weather weapon which means the GR9 could attack up to 12 ground targets simultaneously compared with just one or two with GR7 - a huge boost for our front line pilots."
The refitted Harrier GR9s are expected to see service in the Middle East by next year, and will extend the fleet's service life until the arrival of the Eurofighter.
Air Vice-Marshall David Walker said that the new computer systems would give a access to a vast array of new software and hardware options, which, he said, would help maintain the "edge" over the Taliban.
(SP/CD)
It is claimed that the refitted Harrier, which is capable of vertical landing and take-off, with this state-of-the-art technology will acheive a doubling of its effectiveness as a precision ground attack aircraft.
Under the programme 69 of the single-seater aircraft will be delivered under a programme which is being carried out by BAE Systems in partnership with the MOD at RAF Cottesmore in Lincs.
The upgrades will allow the aircraft to use advanced new precision weaponry, new communications and avionics systems.
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said: "The Harrier has proved itself time and time again as an excellent aircraft - from the Falkands conflict to current operations in Afghanistan but we are always improving our capabilities and the integration of this technology will allow the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy to hit a wider range of targets at longer range, with greater precision and at less risk to our aircrew than ever before.
"With the incorporation of our advanced new Precision Guided Bomb next year the GR9 doubles the Harrier's precision bombing capability while offering greater accuracy, range and reduced pilot workload. It will also carry the Brimstone missile - a true fire and forget all-weather weapon which means the GR9 could attack up to 12 ground targets simultaneously compared with just one or two with GR7 - a huge boost for our front line pilots."
The refitted Harrier GR9s are expected to see service in the Middle East by next year, and will extend the fleet's service life until the arrival of the Eurofighter.
Air Vice-Marshall David Walker said that the new computer systems would give a access to a vast array of new software and hardware options, which, he said, would help maintain the "edge" over the Taliban.
(SP/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 October 2006
MoD unveils new Harrier jets
The Ministry of Defence has unveiled the latest version of the Harrier strike jet. The upgraded Harrier GR9 aircraft has entered service with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, following a half-billion pound improvement package.
MoD unveils new Harrier jets
The Ministry of Defence has unveiled the latest version of the Harrier strike jet. The upgraded Harrier GR9 aircraft has entered service with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, following a half-billion pound improvement package.
23 April 2009
Harrier Boost With £574m Support Contract
The RAF and Royal Navy Harriers are to get a boost with a £574 million contract to support the aircraft during the remainder of their service lives. The contract, awarded to BAE Systems, covers repair, maintenance, spares provision, upgrade work and technical support.
Harrier Boost With £574m Support Contract
The RAF and Royal Navy Harriers are to get a boost with a £574 million contract to support the aircraft during the remainder of their service lives. The contract, awarded to BAE Systems, covers repair, maintenance, spares provision, upgrade work and technical support.
04 November 2010
Carrier Contracts 'Deeply Flawed'
A senior MP has spoken out regarding the Government's plans to build two new aircraft carriers. Andrew Tyrie, the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee said BAE "put a gun to the head of the government" over "deeply flawed" contracts to build two new aircraft carriers.
Carrier Contracts 'Deeply Flawed'
A senior MP has spoken out regarding the Government's plans to build two new aircraft carriers. Andrew Tyrie, the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee said BAE "put a gun to the head of the government" over "deeply flawed" contracts to build two new aircraft carriers.
22 February 2010
Aircraft Maker Signs Contractors
Contracts have been awarded to two GB companies for work on Northern Ireland-based Bombardier's CSeries commercial aircraft programme. Representing a major investment by the Belfast aircraft engineering firm, the deal with GKN Aerospace will see it supplying the winglet for the CSeries aircraft from its composites centre on the Isle of Wight.
Aircraft Maker Signs Contractors
Contracts have been awarded to two GB companies for work on Northern Ireland-based Bombardier's CSeries commercial aircraft programme. Representing a major investment by the Belfast aircraft engineering firm, the deal with GKN Aerospace will see it supplying the winglet for the CSeries aircraft from its composites centre on the Isle of Wight.
17 October 2014
Govt Redeploy Reaper Drones To Iraq
The government has confirmed that UK Reaper drones will be redeployed from Afghanistan to Iraq, to be used against Islamic State (IS) militants. The unmanned, armed, drones will provide surveillance support for the US-led coalition and Iraqi authorities. It follows a vote last month in which MPs backed air strikes against IS militants in Iraq.
Govt Redeploy Reaper Drones To Iraq
The government has confirmed that UK Reaper drones will be redeployed from Afghanistan to Iraq, to be used against Islamic State (IS) militants. The unmanned, armed, drones will provide surveillance support for the US-led coalition and Iraqi authorities. It follows a vote last month in which MPs backed air strikes against IS militants in Iraq.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Some late sunshine this evening. Staying dry with some clear spells developing between patches of cloud, this allows a few fog patches to develop through the early hours. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
