BAE Systems Harrier GR.9
BAE Systems · United Kingdom · first flew 2003 · fighter
The Harrier GR.9 is the extensively upgraded final RAF Harrier variant, combining the wide-chord supercritical wing of the AV-8B airframe with British avionics, engines and weapons integration.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Large Leading-Edge Root Extensions (LERX) blending the broader wing into the fuselage, absent on the first-generation Harrier |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Wide-span supercritical wing of the Harrier II (AV-8B) planform, much broader than the narrow original Harrier GR.3 wing
- Large Leading-Edge Root Extensions (LERX) blending the broader wing into the fuselage, absent on the first-generation Harrier
- ZEUS electronic-warfare pod and Sniper targeting pod stations under the fuselage, typically loaded and visible in service
The GR.9 is easily distinguished from the original RAF Harrier GR.3 by its much wider supercritical wing and prominent LERX. Against the US AV-8B it is functionally similar in planform but carries UK-specific EW and weapons. Both far broader-winged than the slender first-generation Harrier.
Specifications
- The BAE Systems Harrier 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
The RAF's Harrier GR.5 introduced the AV-8B airframe in 1987; successive upgrades via GR.7 and GR.9 added night-attack sensors, upgraded Pegasus 107 engine and a full suite of precision guided munitions including Brimstone and Paveway IV. The GR.9 achieved its upgraded standard around 2003–2006 and served until the controversial disbandment of the Joint Force Harrier in December 2010.
Variants
GR.7 was the night-attack version with NVG-compatible cockpit; GR.9 added the full Brimstone and Paveway IV integration and EW suite. The GR.9A used the upgraded Pegasus 107 engine. Two-seat T.10 and T.12 trainers retained all combat systems.
Where you'll see it
RAF and Royal Navy GR.9s served aboard HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious and flew combat missions in Afghanistan. The surprise disbandment in 2010 as part of SDSR cuts was politically controversial. Surviving airframes are displayed at RAF Cosford, the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton and Duxford.
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