Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1
Hawker Siddeley · UK · first flew 1966 · fighter
The GR.1 was the first operational Harrier, the world's first fixed-wing V/STOL aircraft in front-line service. The blunt nose and absence of the laser ranger that characterises later marks are the primary visual distinguishers.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Four rotating nozzles — two forward (fan air) and two rear (hot gas) — visible along fuselage sides |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Four rotating nozzles — two forward (fan air) and two rear (hot gas) — visible along fuselage sides
- Short, blunt nose without the extended sensor probe of the GR.3
- Small circular nose with no LRMTS fairing; gun pods normally carried under fuselage
The blunt, rounded nose with no laser ranger fairing is the key GR.1 distinguisher from the GR.3. All Harriers of this generation share the four nozzles, high-set shoulder wing, and twin ventral strakes. Against the Harrier II (GR.5/7/9), the original Harrier has a significantly shorter wingspan, more swept leading edge, and smaller overall dimensions.
Specifications
- The Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1 has a length of 13.87 m (46 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.7 m (25 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1176 km/h (731 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entered RAF service 1969 with 1 Squadron at Wittering. The GR.1 proved the concept of dispersed-base operations in Germany, operating from forest clearings rather than vulnerable airfields. Around 60 GR.1s were built; most were upgraded to GR.1A and then GR.3 standard.
Variants
The GR.1A added the uprated Pegasus 102 engine. The GR.3 added the Ferranti LRMTS laser ranger in an extended nose. The AV-8A is the US Marine Corps export equivalent.
Where you'll see it
RAF 1969-1990 (as GR.1/3); the type is now retired. GR.1 and GR.3 examples survive at Duxford, Cosford, Yeovilton, and Wittering gate.
Related aircraft
- Hawker Siddeley Andover C.1
- Hawker Siddeley HS 780 Andover
- Hawker Siddeley Nimrod
- Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2
- Atlas Impala Mk I
- Chengdu J-7
- Dassault Mirage F1
- Dassault Mirage IIIS
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.