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11/10/2006
UK's iconic Harrier upgraded
The latest version of the UK's Harrier strike aircraft has been unveiled.
It is claimed that the refitted Harrier, which is capable of vertical landing and take-off, with this state-of-the-art technology will acheive a doubling of its effectiveness as a precision ground attack aircraft.
Under the programme 69 of the single-seater aircraft will be delivered under a programme which is being carried out by BAE Systems in partnership with the MOD at RAF Cottesmore in Lincs.
The upgrades will allow the aircraft to use advanced new precision weaponry, new communications and avionics systems.
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said: "The Harrier has proved itself time and time again as an excellent aircraft - from the Falkands conflict to current operations in Afghanistan but we are always improving our capabilities and the integration of this technology will allow the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy to hit a wider range of targets at longer range, with greater precision and at less risk to our aircrew than ever before.
"With the incorporation of our advanced new Precision Guided Bomb next year the GR9 doubles the Harrier's precision bombing capability while offering greater accuracy, range and reduced pilot workload. It will also carry the Brimstone missile - a true fire and forget all-weather weapon which means the GR9 could attack up to 12 ground targets simultaneously compared with just one or two with GR7 - a huge boost for our front line pilots."
The refitted Harrier GR9s are expected to see service in the Middle East by next year, and will extend the fleet's service life until the arrival of the Eurofighter.
Air Vice-Marshall David Walker said that the new computer systems would give a access to a vast array of new software and hardware options, which, he said, would help maintain the "edge" over the Taliban.
(SP/CD)
It is claimed that the refitted Harrier, which is capable of vertical landing and take-off, with this state-of-the-art technology will acheive a doubling of its effectiveness as a precision ground attack aircraft.
Under the programme 69 of the single-seater aircraft will be delivered under a programme which is being carried out by BAE Systems in partnership with the MOD at RAF Cottesmore in Lincs.
The upgrades will allow the aircraft to use advanced new precision weaponry, new communications and avionics systems.
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said: "The Harrier has proved itself time and time again as an excellent aircraft - from the Falkands conflict to current operations in Afghanistan but we are always improving our capabilities and the integration of this technology will allow the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy to hit a wider range of targets at longer range, with greater precision and at less risk to our aircrew than ever before.
"With the incorporation of our advanced new Precision Guided Bomb next year the GR9 doubles the Harrier's precision bombing capability while offering greater accuracy, range and reduced pilot workload. It will also carry the Brimstone missile - a true fire and forget all-weather weapon which means the GR9 could attack up to 12 ground targets simultaneously compared with just one or two with GR7 - a huge boost for our front line pilots."
The refitted Harrier GR9s are expected to see service in the Middle East by next year, and will extend the fleet's service life until the arrival of the Eurofighter.
Air Vice-Marshall David Walker said that the new computer systems would give a access to a vast array of new software and hardware options, which, he said, would help maintain the "edge" over the Taliban.
(SP/CD)
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