BAE Systems' Sea Harrier is a mobile-based (generally maritime) defense and intervention fighter. It was the world's first jet aircraft to take off and land vertically and was created for the British Navy from the Hawker-Siddeley Harrier. Joined the RAF in April 1980 as Sea Harrier FRS1. The last version was the Sea Harrier FA2. Known informally as the "Shar", the Sea Harrier was withdrawn from RAF service in March 2006[1], being replaced by the Harrier GR9.

Description

Type/Mission
V/STOL strike fighter

Country of origin

United Kingdom

Manufacturer

Hawker-Siddeley
British Aerospace

Production period
1978-?

Quantity produced
111

Unit cost
US$18 million in 1991

Developed from
Hawker Siddely Harrier

Introduced in
August 20, 1978 (FRS1)
April 2, 1993 (FRS2)
Retired in
March 2006 (British Royal Navy)

Variants

Sea Harrier FRS.1
Sea Harrier FRS.51
Sea Harrier F(A).2

Crew
1

Specifications (real life)

(Model: Sea Harrier FA2)
Dimensions
Length
14.2 m (46.6 ft)
Wingspan
7.6 m (24.9 ft)
Height
3.71 m (12.2 ft)
Wing area
18.68 m² (201 ft²)
Stretching
3.1
Weight(s)
Empty weight
6,374 kg (14,100 lb)
Max weight takeoff
11,900 kg (26,200 lb)
Propulsion
Engine(s)
1 x Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan
Thrust force (per engine)
9,762 kgf (95,700 N)
Performance
Maximum speed
1,182 km/h (638 kn)
Military reach
1,000 km (621 mi)
Range (MTOW)
3,600 km (2,240 mi)
Maximum ceiling
16,000 m (52,500 ft)
Rate of ascent
250 m/s