BAe Sea Harrier FRS.1
British Aerospace · UK · first flew 1978 · fighter
The Sea Harrier FRS.1 is the naval variant of the original Harrier, substantially redesigned with a new raised cockpit, a radar nose, and naval equipment. The more prominent bubble canopy and pointed radar nose distinguish it immediately from the GR.3.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Elevated, revised cockpit with a larger, more bubble-shaped canopy giving 360-degree visibility
- Blue-grey naval colour scheme versus RAF camouflage greens
- Ferranti Blue Fox radar in a distinctive nose with a rounded, more pointed profile than the GR.3
The raised, bubble canopy sitting higher on the fuselage is the primary visual marker versus the GR.1/3. The nose radar gives a more pointed profile than the blunt GR.1 or the LRMTS-nosed GR.3. Blue-grey naval paint versus RAF camouflage confirms the mark in any parked or photographic context.
Specifications
- The BAe Sea Harrier FRS.1 has a length of 14.5 m (48 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.7 m (25 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1110 km/h (690 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flight 1978; 57 built for the Royal Navy. Achieved fame in the 1982 Falklands War, shooting down 21 Argentine aircraft in air combat for no air-combat losses. Armed with AIM-9L Sidewinders, it outclassed Mirage IIIs and Daggers in classic turning engagements.
Variants
The FRS.1 was updated to FRS.2/FA2 standard. India's Sea Harrier FRS.51 is an export variant still in service into the 2000s.
Where you'll see it
Royal Navy 800, 801, 809 NAS 1980-2005. India operated the FRS.51. Static examples at Yeovilton and Duxford; an FRS.1 in Falklands scheme is at FAAM Yeovilton.
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- McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II
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