British Aerospace Harrier II GR.9
British Aerospace · UK · first flew 2003 · fighter
The GR.9 is the final and most capable RAF Harrier, adding Brimstone anti-armour missiles, a new mission computer, and compatibility with the Helmet Mounted Sighting System. Externally nearly identical to the GR.7 but identifiable by its weapons fit.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.36 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Brimstone anti-armour missile triple-racks on inboard pylons — triple-row clusters unique to GR.9
- Updated Pegasus 107 engine with subtly revised intake lip compared with earlier marks
- HMSS (Helmet Mounted Sighting System) compatibility — no external tell but often mentioned in briefings
Brimstone triple-racks are the surest external GR.9 indicator. Against the GR.7 in clean configuration, effectively indistinguishable on the ground without access to aircraft markings or maintenance records. The combination of Afghanistan-era camouflage schemes and Brimstone rails in photographs is the practical identifier.
Specifications
- The British Aerospace Harrier II GR.9 has a length of 14.36 m (47 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.25 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1065 km/h (662 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
GR.7s upgraded to GR.9 from 2003; first operational use in Afghanistan 2004. The GR.9 and GR.9A (uprated engine) formed the final Harrier force that was controversially retired in November 2010 under the Strategic Defence and Security Review, with aircraft sold to the US Marine Corps.
Variants
The GR.9A has the Pegasus 107 engine. The GR.9 shares the airframe with the AV-8B Plus in broad outline but has UK-specific avionics.
Where you'll see it
RAF/RN Joint Force Harrier 2003-2010; Afghanistan operations from HMS Illustrious and land bases. Sold aircraft became AV-8B spare parts in USMC service. A GR.9 is at the Fleet Air Arm Museum Yeovilton.
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