Glory Days..... (for Neil) by debbielove
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Description
Greetings....
Well, I need not say anything about my views on the scrapping of this wonderful aircraft, still being used by many air forces including the U.S. Marines (THAT alone says it all...) So I'll stick to this famous aircrafts history..
This is a BAe Harrier GR3, built new at Dunsfold in 1978..
On 12th Feb 1982, it was transfered to No4 Squadron in Germany and started its service..
1 April 1982, Argentine Troops land on the Falklands..
On the 16th it was transfered to No 1 Squadron at Wittering, near me.. Ski Jump training at Yeovilton started..
By 2nd May, after final Preparations at Wittering, it (and 4 others) flew to RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall..
On the 4th they left and flew Non stop to the Ascension islands, 4,600 miles in 9 and quarter hours with two 300 gallon tanks, being refueled on the way by Victor tankers..
From there they flew onto 'Atlantic Conveyor and sailed for the 'exclusion zone'..
From here on, they flew onto HMS Hermes and started ground attacks and Recon flights, NONE of the pilots had ever flown of a Carrier before.. The South Atlantic by then was near Winter..
These Harriers (RAF ones), generally took over Ground attack duties, bombing gun positions, Goose Green, Port Stanley Airfield and other places, aircraft were taken out as well..
Only one received damage, and they flew every day..
It stayed at The Falklands for defense after the surrender, it and others forming a flight there until Phantoms arrived..
Then it went back to No 1 Squadron and stayed there.. Based at Wittering, with a brief transfer to No 4 again.. It was finally retired on the 21st Aug 10 1990.. Then ended up here at RAF Hendon...
I know this history has been very rushed BUT if you wish to read it in full go to the RAF Hendon Website and look up this aircraft - it's all there...
Enjoy this close - up..
Rob
Comments (24)
papy2
A great plane! You make a mistake in the retired date...
CoyoteSeven
Even though I was in the US Army, there was nothing more beautiful than a Marine Harrier (or Air Force A-10) flying close ground support. They might not have been the prettiest aircraft built, but to some of us, they were gorgeous! Scrapping this bird would be a disservice to all that have/still/will serve.
Faemike55
Wonderful aircraft cool history shame it's being phased out
munich68
Very cool aviation picture, like the angle and the details!
jayfar
A superb capture of this brilliant icon Rob. You may want to go back in and edit your one from last paragraph - It was finally retired on the 21stAug 1090!!
magnus073
Fantastic work on this really cool dedication Rob
whaleman
Very cool shot!
T.Rex
Yay, Rob! You've done it again. Another great photo of a fantastic plane and a great history about it! I remember reading the book "Task Force" about the Falklands war and about these great planes, not ever expecting to see one of them so clearly as here! I bet the reason for scrapping them is high treason in high places - the da**ed politicos have seen what they are capable of and want them gone for that very reason. Looks like Parliament is begging for another Guy Faulkes! But from the air this time! Keep up the good work! :-)
cfulton
Well done, Rob, I did not get close to a decent shot of this one! Clive
flavia49
magnificent shot!
RodS
One of the coolest airplanes ever created! I love the Harrier, and I'm so glad they still serve proudly with the U.S. Marines - you're right.. That's one hell of an endorsement! Great one, Rob!
goodoleboy
Cool POV employed to capture many of the fine details of the landing gear and undercarriage of this versatile fighter, Rob. Good lighting in this shot. And the detailed history is always appreciated.
Maxidyne
Well you know full well what I think of this landmark aircraft and also what I think of the fools in Government doing what they do. These were a source of real pride before-during and after The Falklands but of course this means nothing to those at Westminster who just seek to fill their own retirement funds. As for the image... first rate Rob with bags of detail. Another 10/10+ from me.
HADCANCER
Always though this aircraft was just plain neat. Song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9JOmU2jFUo
Buffalo1
Great shot,and a great plane full of history.
blinkings
Thanks for posting this Rob. One of my all time faves........why on earth get rid of these beautiful birds? HERE
tigertim
Excellent capture Rob, of this iconic aircraft!!.. you know my thoughts!!. ....politicians.. and why NZ no longer has a strike wing..
1358
amazing piece of hardware... designed by professionals, not by a commitee. very cool capture ... you go to some of the neatest places!
dakotabluemoon
I like the way this one is showed to us great job on it Rob.
neiwil
Cheers mate! I've read quite a bit about these and the Sea Harriers in the Falklands, for resons you and Mike understand ;-) This is a great angle, not one you get in the usual images. Not going to start on about the 'scrapping', will just say "Damn shame, and bloody disgusting" :-(
bmac62
Retired before its time. Fine photo mate!
DukeNukem2005
This is a very beautiful!
junge1
Cool angle Rob!
Briney
This should be on permanent display in Parliament- suspended over their heads by fraying cables perhaps??? ;-) Or is good government just an exhibit now...??? Gee, Concordes, Space Shuttles and Harriers... aircraft of "yesteryear"... I can't believe it... who would have thought that?