Hawker Harrier G.R.3 (XV751) - Gatwick Aviation Museum

Fly to museum home page	Hawker Harrier G.R.3

Manufacturer:	Hawker (BAe)
Purpose:	V/STOL Ground Attack
Crew	1 Pilot
Max Speed (sea level):	635 knots (1,175 Km/h)
Cruising speed:	Approx 480 knots (888Km/h)
Service ceiling:	55,000ft (16,667 m)
All-up weight:	25,000 lb (11,364 Kg)
Weapons:	Twin 30mm Aden cannons. External points for free fall or retarded bombs, 68mm SNEB rockets or Sidewinder missiles.
Range:	350 nautical miles (648 Km)

XV751 in 3 Squadron markings

TYPE HISTORY

Harrier, the world's first Vertical Take Off and Landing jet aircraft to enter military service was developed from the original prototype, the P1127 which "flew" a few inches from the ground on 2lst October 1960.

A supersonic version, the P1154, was cancelled in 1965 whilst a unit of nine militarised P.1127s, known as Kestrels, were being flown and evaluated by pilots from British, West German and U.S. forces at West Raynham, Nortolk.

The first Harrier to fly was XV276 on the 31st of August 1966, this was one of six development aircraft. The first production aircraft (XV738) made its maiden flight on the 28th of December 1967.

The Harrier entered Squadron service in July 1969 with the first aircraft being issued to No. 1 Squadron at R.A.F. Wittering.

ROLE

The Harrier is a close support aircraft with the primary role of assisting NATO forces in the event of conflict. It's ability to operate from hidden dispersal's makes it difficult for opposing forces to find and destroy.

With a full weapon load, the Harrier normally needs a short take-off to get airborne. A wide array of weaponry can be carried on the Harriers strong points beneath the fuselage and wings.

During the Falklands War, Harriers carried PAVEWAY laser guided bombs and 50mm rocket pods and also, as self-protection, were ftted with Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

HISTORY

Build no.: 712014
First flight 28^th May 1969
First delivery 2^nd June 1969 to RAF
Aircraft damaged Cat 4 but repaired.

Modified into GR.1A on 22^nd October 1970 and delivered on 24^th February 1971 to RAF
Delivered in March 1971 to RAF No.233 OCU, Wittering

Modified into GR.3 in April 1973 and delivered to RAF No.20 (F) Sqn.
Delivered in February 1977 to RAF No.3 (F) Sqn, Wittering
Transferred in February 1979 to RAF No.1 (F) Sqn, Wittering

At RAF Wittering 1982
June 1986 with 3 Sqdn in Germany? Coded AU

Finally with FAA
Maintenance # A2760 ( XV751)

Although this aircraft XV751 is a GR3 and spent her active life with the RAF (3 Squadron) she was painted and marked as a Royal Navy aircraft. Close examination revealed the underlying colours and markings of her original owners.

xv751

This picture was taken in 1999 when work was being carried out on the nose leg. It was being re-inflated.

The final part of her service life was with the RN at Lee-on-Solent from where she was saved when that unit closed in 1996. Sadly the cockpit was "gutted", little remains in it. Also the engine was removed, it reputably went on to fly with the Indian Navy!

Currently XV751 is looking for a volunteer(s) to help restore her to pristine condition. At the moment she has been 95% restored, she is back in GR3 colours and 3 Sqdn markings. (We have new 3 Sqdn transfers and flashes, kindly given to us by the squadron.) If you can help this classic British jet please call Peter Vallance on 01293 862915.