Other Post Harrier GR9
- Thread starter mineman65
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The GR9 is being rolled out as we speak, I do not think it will be long before we see reports of it flying on operations in Afghanistan
More info from MoD site
"All 69 of the RAF's existing GR7 aircraft are being converted at RAF Cottesmore to high tech Joint Force GR9s by BAe Systems, which has converted the first batch on time and on budget. 24 of the 69 are now in service with 20 (Reserve) Sqn, which is the Operational Conversion Unit, and 1 (Fighter) Sqn.
The upgrades will allow the aircraft to use advanced new and higher numbers of precision weaponry such as Paveway IV 500lb smart bombs and Brimstone anti-armour missiles. Brimstone is a true fire-and-forget all-weather weapon which means the GR9 could attack up to 12 ground targets simultaneously compared with one or two with GR7.
Under the Joint Update and Maintenance Programme (JUMP) the balance of 45 Harriers will be converted by 2009. The programme also includes converting the existing two-seat T10s to T12 as well as flight simulator facilities. The programme also allows for future upgrades to GR9s.
The aim of the £500 million programme is to extend the effectiveness of the Harrier to the point when the next generation of joint ground attack land and sea-based combat aircraft becomes operational."
More info from MoD site
"All 69 of the RAF's existing GR7 aircraft are being converted at RAF Cottesmore to high tech Joint Force GR9s by BAe Systems, which has converted the first batch on time and on budget. 24 of the 69 are now in service with 20 (Reserve) Sqn, which is the Operational Conversion Unit, and 1 (Fighter) Sqn.
The upgrades will allow the aircraft to use advanced new and higher numbers of precision weaponry such as Paveway IV 500lb smart bombs and Brimstone anti-armour missiles. Brimstone is a true fire-and-forget all-weather weapon which means the GR9 could attack up to 12 ground targets simultaneously compared with one or two with GR7.
Under the Joint Update and Maintenance Programme (JUMP) the balance of 45 Harriers will be converted by 2009. The programme also includes converting the existing two-seat T10s to T12 as well as flight simulator facilities. The programme also allows for future upgrades to GR9s.
The aim of the £500 million programme is to extend the effectiveness of the Harrier to the point when the next generation of joint ground attack land and sea-based combat aircraft becomes operational."
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2004
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- Points
- 248
Up todate information
Two Harrier GR9A aircraft have arrived in Afghanistan from the UK after a journey of more than 3,500 miles (5,600 km). Just under two hours later they were ready for action flying over UK ground forces combating the Taleban.
The two Harrier GR9As are replacing two of the current Harrier GR7A fleet in Afghanistan and over the coming year the Harrier detachment, operating from Kandahar Airfield, will move to a 100% Harrier GR9A fleet.
The upgraded Harriers flew from the home of the Joint Force Harrier (JFH) at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland and stopped over at Cyprus and the Middle East. They brought with them enhanced avionics that include a better navigation suite and more sophisticated weapon aiming systems, improving the ability of JFH pilots to support British and coalition troops on the ground.
On arrival 1 (F) Squadron engineers ensured the new aircraft were armed and declared 100% ready for tasking within the shortest possible time – despite having to deal with a GR7A Harrier 'scramble' half-way through the initial Harrier GR9A preparations.
The new arrivals came at the end of 1 (F) Squadron's first two weeks in theatre since last Spring.
One of the strengths of the Harrier is its versatility and this was demonstrated when on a recent day of thunderstorms and extremely low cloud a pair of Harrier GR7As were scrambled to support British soldiers in Helmand Province.
Under fire, the troops called for support and it came in the form of GPS (Global Positioning System) guided munitions through dense cloud and, equally significantly, 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs released from ultra low level in poor conditions.
Source - MoD
Two Harrier GR9A aircraft have arrived in Afghanistan from the UK after a journey of more than 3,500 miles (5,600 km). Just under two hours later they were ready for action flying over UK ground forces combating the Taleban.
The two Harrier GR9As are replacing two of the current Harrier GR7A fleet in Afghanistan and over the coming year the Harrier detachment, operating from Kandahar Airfield, will move to a 100% Harrier GR9A fleet.
The upgraded Harriers flew from the home of the Joint Force Harrier (JFH) at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland and stopped over at Cyprus and the Middle East. They brought with them enhanced avionics that include a better navigation suite and more sophisticated weapon aiming systems, improving the ability of JFH pilots to support British and coalition troops on the ground.
On arrival 1 (F) Squadron engineers ensured the new aircraft were armed and declared 100% ready for tasking within the shortest possible time – despite having to deal with a GR7A Harrier 'scramble' half-way through the initial Harrier GR9A preparations.
The new arrivals came at the end of 1 (F) Squadron's first two weeks in theatre since last Spring.
One of the strengths of the Harrier is its versatility and this was demonstrated when on a recent day of thunderstorms and extremely low cloud a pair of Harrier GR7As were scrambled to support British soldiers in Helmand Province.
Under fire, the troops called for support and it came in the form of GPS (Global Positioning System) guided munitions through dense cloud and, equally significantly, 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs released from ultra low level in poor conditions.
Source - MoD
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