Royal Air Force BAe Harriers Final Flight

The RAF's BAe Harrier jets took to the skies for the final time today after 30 years of military service. The sixteen recently decommissioned jets left RAF Cottesmore in Rutland and made their last appearance over seven military bases and local towns.

The aircrafts' future was decided as part of the new coalition government's Strategic Defence and Security Review. It was claimed more money could be saved by scrapping the Harriers and keeping the fleet of Tornados. Despite protests from the highest levels of the Army, the Royal Navy and the RAF, the move to scrap the jets in order to save £100m remained in place. The Government insisted it was a "military judgment" and not just about costs.

Let's recall he Harrier was first brought into action in the 1960s with its key feature being the ability to take off and land vertically (VTOL concept). The unique plane was designed as close air support with the take-off and landing abilities allowing it to fly in and out of areas close to battlefields — something conventional aircraft cannot do. The iconic aircraft was considered to be instrumental in Britain winning the Falklands War against Argentina in 1982.

Air Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell said: "The Harrier is a true icon and stands testament to the innovation and excellence of British design and engineering and the skill and courage of our airmen. It has had a truly distinguished service with both the RAF and the Royal Navy, from the South Atlantic to the skies over Afghanistan. It now takes its place in history as one of aviation's greats."

Group Captain Gary Waterfall becomes the Harriers' last force commander. "Without doubt this is an emotional day for all those who have been fortunate to be involved with one of the true icons of aviation, alongside Concorde and Spitfire," he said. "Life goes on and it is always important to look forward not back. Right now our thoughts are with everybody involved with Harrier over the years as we bid a fond farewell to a truly remarkable aircraft."

But the plane's early retirement as a result of UK defence spending cuts remains controversial as its replacement — the JSF — is still far away. The final flight of the Harriers follows the aircraft-carrier HMS Ark Royal's return to port for the last time earlier this month, an aircraft carrier which was also retired in defence cuts.


Source: By Jean-Michel Guhl - 16 December 2010 - RAF Cottesmore, UK (http://www.latinaero.com)

Photos: Royal Air Force (RAF) Bae Harrier II

(16.11.2011)