McDonnell Douglas / Hawker Siddeley AV-16 Advanced Harrier

McDonnell Douglas / Hawker Siddeley AV-16 Advanced Harrier History

The Hawker Siddeley "Harrier," known as the "Jump Jet," was a revolutionary military aircraft during the Cold War era (1947-1991). It possessed the unique capability to take off and land vertically like a helicopter while maintaining the speed and agility of a jet fighter. This versatile aircraft was utilized by the Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Navy (as the "Sea Harrier"), and the United States Marine Corps (known as the "AV-8A").

The United States acquired approximately 110 "A" models and entered into a licensing agreement with the UK and McDonnell Douglas. Production of the Harrier series ceased after the creation of 278 units during the 1960s and 1970s. Early Harriers had limitations in terms of payload and range, which prompted a collaborative effort between the United States and the United Kingdom to develop the Advanced Harrier in 1973, an improved subsonic vertical take-off and landing attack aircraft.

To enhance the Advanced Harrier, engineers selected the powerful Rolls-Royce 'Pegasus 15' engine, capable of providing thrust for vertical take-off and linear propulsion. The aircraft's design was modified to accommodate larger engines, resulting in a wider fuselage with larger air intakes, reinforced lift nozzles, longer wings, and enhanced landing gear. The design of the wings could be customized, and the cockpit was slightly raised for better visibility. New avionics were incorporated to improve the aircraft's performance in tactical attack missions.

Specification

Basics

Years in Service: 1973

Origins: United States

Status: Cancel

Crew: 1

Production: 0

Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas - USA / Hawker Siddeley - UK

Carrier: UK (planned, canceled); US (planned, canceled)

Roles

Air-to-air combat, fighter

The general ability to actively attack other aircraft of similar form and function, usually using guns, missiles and/or airborne missiles.

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Disable support (CAS)

Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Special Mission: Ship Defense

Equipped to find, track, and attack enemy surface elements through visual acquisition, radar support, and ship-based weapons.

Nautical/navy

Land-based or ship-based capability to operate on water in various maritime roles, supported by Allied Naval Surface Forces.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

X-Plane (development, prototyping, tech demos)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 46.4 feet (14.15m)

Width/span: 30.3 feet (9.25m)

Height: 11.6 feet (3.55m)

Cured weight: 14,330 lbs (6,500 kg)

MTOW: 27,999 lbs (12,700 kg)

Wgt Difference: +13,669lbs (+6,200 kg)

Performance

Installed: 1 x Rolls-Royce Pegasus 15 non-afterburner turbofan, producing an estimated 24,500 pounds of thrust for lift and propulsion.

Maximum speed: 721 km/h (1,160 km/h | 626 kn)

Maximum: 49,213 feet (15,000 m | 9 km)

Area: 2,051 km (3,300 km | 6,112 nautical miles)

Weapons

Standard, Fixed (RAF):

1 x 30mm ADEN Internal Autocannon. Standard, Fixed (USMC)

1 x 25mm GAU-12 internal automatic cannon (5-barrel Gatling).

Optional (RAF and USMC):

Up to seven external hardpoints (three per wing) for carrying air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs, conventionally thrown bombs, Missile pods and throwable fuel tanks.