HARRIER GR9 TAKES TO THE SKIES

The first Harrier GR9 successfully completed its maiden flight from Warton aerodrome in Lancashire today. The aircraft took off conventionally at 1449 and made a flight lasting 1 hour 10 minutes, which included a short hover.

This is a significant milestone in a programme that will provide the Harrier with the latest in avionic systems and smart weapons capability.

The development aircraft (ZD320), flown by BAE SYSTEMS Harrier test pilot John Lawson, is equipped with new avionic system equipment and latest generation mission software. It will now enter a comprehensive test programme to further develop the new systems and fully realise the potential of the new weapons and sensors being introduced in a phased series of capability releases over the next five years. The first capability will be released to the customer by BAE SYSTEMS in November 2004.

Pilot John Lawson said, ‘During today's flight, the new avionics worked faultlessly. This gives us a strong basis to develop the new capabilities and provide the RAF with an aircraft that will continue to support deep-strike operations well into the next decade.'

The £500m-plus full GR9 upgrade programme will provide UK Joint Force Operations with uprated digital systems and clearance for digital weapons, allowing the RAF Harriers to strike a wider range of targets, from longer range. This upgrade will introduce a baseline aircraft system capability that will allow the aircraft to deliver smart weapons - Brimstone and precision guided bombs - and support an enhanced integration of weapons such as Maverick and Sidewinder.

John continued: ‘The Harrier is a unique aircraft, unrivalled in its manoeuvrability and operational effectiveness. The new systems will increase its capability over the remainder of its service life and give it increased precision weapon capability.'

The GR9 programme builds upon the GR Mk. 7A engine upgrade, to improve the performance envelope of the aircraft and extend carrier-based operations. The GR9 will enhance the existing Harrier capability for air-to-ground attack and reconnaissance, whilst the navigation, data processing, thermal imaging, electronic warfare, and communications capabilities are further improved in support of the smart weapon delivery system.

This flight is the first major milestone of a programme secured by the Customer Solutions & Support business of BAE SYSTEMS on the 20th December 2002.