Harrier Last Flight (Merged)

[beerdrinker]

This from the Spectators Balcony (Spotters) Forum - Thanks FL575.

Harrier final flying?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I cannot see this information anywhere else on PPRuNe, but if it is I apologise for repeating it, but someone might be interested.

Final Harrier Flying

Start date/time: 15/12/2010 12:55 UTC
End date/time: 16/12/2010 14:40 UTC
Activity period: 1255-1440
Lower height limit: 000
Upper height limit: 030

FORMATION TRANSIT BY 16 MIL FAST JET ACFT ACFT. THE FORMATION WILL
FORM UP IN VCY OF 5239N 00033E (MARHAM AD) FROM 1305 HR AND THEN
ROUTE:
5239N 00033E (MARHAM AD) 1318 HR
5221N 00006W (WYTON AD) 1322 HR
5237N 00029W (WITTERING AD) 1326 HR
5239N 00029W (STAMFORD) 1327 HR
5302N 00029W (CRANWELL AD) 1401 HR
5310N 00031W (WADDINGTON AD) 1402 HR
5318N 00033W (SCAMPTON AD) 1404 HR
5306N 00010W (CONINGSBY AD) 1411 HR
5244N 00039W (COTTESMORE AD) 1415 HR
5240N 00044W (OAKHAM) 1416 HR
5244N 00039W (COTTESMORE AD) 1420 HR
THE FORMATION WILL REMAIN IN VCY OF 5244N 00039W (COTTESMORE AD)
UNTIL 1430 HR PRIOR TO LANDING.
16TH IS RESERVE DAY. TIMINGS, HGT AND ROUTE ARE APRX AND MAY CHANGE
DUE TO WX OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS. 10-12-0055/AS 1

[Biggus]

I thought it was announced in the SDSR that the Harrier was due to retire in APRIL 2011 - which makes an event on 15-16 Dec 2010 unlikely to be the FINAL HARRIER FLIGHT. Assuming of course that my memory of the SDSR details is correct.

I suppose one of the Sqns could be folding early?

[muttywhitedog]

Whilst the Harrier will officially retire on 1 Apr 11, next Wed is the last planned flying day. There's too much pomp & ceremony and the mass of postings in the new year to make flying viable.

[Trim Stab]

Is anybody up for doing a pass under Tower Bridge?

[LBP PC DC]

Or a LONG diversion up to the Scottish Borders (Leader valley/Lauderdale) please? First ATC camp at Wittering in 1986 left me with a lot of affection for the Harrier and the regular traffic through the valley will be sadly missed :sad:

[TEEEJ]

The Harrier GR9 with the retro camouflage scheme should be out next week at RAF Cottesmore.

Paint shop images on the following.

Harrier Disbandment 3rd Painted Jet - Britmodeller.com (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=60103)

Disbandment tail schemes.

Harrier Disbandment Colour Schemes - Britmodeller.com (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=59333)

There should be a 16 ship practice on Monday 13th December? Off base parking will be available from the 13th until the decision is made as to what day the flypast will take place.

Directions to Rutland Caravan and Camping.

'From the A1 - turn off the A1 (north or south bound) and head towards Greetham on the B668. Then turn right at the crossroads before the village, and take the second left to the site.

From Oakham - take the B668, through Greetham village, turn left at crossroad, then second left to site.'

See Map for Rutland Caravan and Camping location.

Streetmap.co.uk- search results for 492410,314985 (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=492410&y=314985&z=3&sv=492410,314985&st=OSGrid&lu=N&tl=~&ar=y&bi=~&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf)

Parking will be available for £1 per car at the Rutland Caravan and Camping Site. The farmer at the 22 end has made his yard available for some parking for £2. (accessible via New Road).

See following for RAF Cottesmore viewing locations. The Viking Way footpath runs next to the 22 end of the runway and the farmer is very spectator friendly.

Google search for RAF Cottesmore viewing guide

RAF COTTESMORE VIEWING - Google Search (http://www.google.co.uk/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=RAF+COTTESMORE+VIEWING&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=)

RAF Cottesmore viewing guide

http://www.pb-photos.com/Images/Aviation/Others/Cottesmore.pdf

TJ

[Chris Kebab]

Wot, no Dunsfold..

[Shanewhite]

Shame they can't divert to South Devon to say goodbye to Chris Moran and Richard Box.

[The B Word]

Shame they can't divert to South Devon

It just demonstrates another reason why Tornado stayed and Harrier went - look a the pitiful range of the aircraft at low level, it couldn't even make 1Gp or Dunsfold from a quick "round robin" in Norfolk and Lincolnshire!

1 hour 30 mins at low level is enough to make you weep :{

The B Word

[barotraumatized]

Don't anybody bite. It's bound to be another trolling wannabe.

[TheWizard]

They already 'did' Dunsfold recently. See one of several reports on the event here Dunsfold Celebrates The Harrier - Global Aviation Resource (http://www.globalaviationresource.com/reports/2010/harrierdunsfold.php)

[iRaven]

I'll bite

From the SDSR document:

The current, limited carrier-strike capability will be retired. We must face up to the difficult choices put off by the last Government. Over the next five years combat air support to operations in Afghanistan must be the over-riding priority: the Harrier fleet would not be able to provide this and sustain a carrier-strike role at the same time. Even after 2015, short-range Harriers – whether operating from HMS Illustrious or HMS Queen Elizabeth – would provide only a very limited coercive capability. We judge it unlikely that this would be sufficiently useful in the latter half of the decade to be a cost-effective use of defence resources.

I'll bite in favour of B Word!

[airpolice]

Can anyone tell me when the much talked about budget cuts will start to take effect?

The impression I get from the thread is that there is no shortage of money, a practice followed by launching a 16 ship, on a tour of East Englandshire, then back to where they came from, wtf?

Are the RAF really painting the aircraft in order to scrap them?

So money may not be all that tight just yet. What happepned to only spending money where there is an operational benefit? We can't have LRMPA but we can do a (freshly painted) farewell tour of Middle Earth?

Can't wait to read about this in the daily outrage.

[Biggus]

airpolice,

The majority of government department spending cuts start from Apr 2011, on the basis the government spending review was held in Oct 2010. These cuts include such things as no pay rise for public sector workers, decreased departmental budgets, etc...

Since the Harrier fleet was supposed to disband in Apr 2011, (notice the date?) but is actually stopping flying in Dec 10, I expect (even allowing for 1 x 16 ship and a paint job or two), they are saving more money than was planned (3 months of flying saved vs 16 sorties and some paint?). On another thread Dominie flying was said to be stopping in Jan 2011. Ark Royal is on the way to be scrapped (mothballed), etc....

I think the taxpayers can be satisified that they are getting savings from MOD well before the general Apr 2011 date thank you.....

[airpolice]

Biggus, are you suggesting that we don't need to save anything until April? Is there still a huge pot of money until then?

This looks like the kind of spending that got us all into this mess in the first place. Provided it is not over budget, it is ok to spend.

Would the money saved by stopping earlier not simply improve things? Is a bad man from HM Teasury going to burn all the twenty pound notes if the RAF don't spend it before April? I think not.

Think how this looks to the people paying for it.

[forget]

Think how this looks to the people paying for it.

No problem from my end.

[Biggus]

"....Biggus, are you suggesting that we don't need to save anything until April?...."

Er no - I think you'll find, if you actually read my post, that I was pointing out that we are saving money before Apr, as I quoted in several examples!!!

As to how it looks, to who, maybe the locals in the Wittering and Cottesmore area regret the passing of the Harrier era, and will appreciate seeing it in the air once last time? If you are going to get so upset by a 16 ship flypast on the demise of an aircraft type and closure of an airbase that contributes to the local economy then I suggest you start re-ignite the "..scrap the Red Arrows, BBMF, stop all airshows, close the UASs, pull out of Afghanistan, merge the RAF, scrap all cadet forces, reduce the number of senior officers type threads.....".

Who knows, I would even agree with you in some of those cases... :ok:

[kiwibrit]

Hmm. I saw the first flight of the GR5 prototype at Dusfold. For everything there is a season.

[anotherthing]

Although I firmly believe we should be spending more on our forces, not less, I agree with Airpolice and his sentiments pertaining to budget management..

Just because you are saving money before April through fuel, maintenance etc, it doesn't mean you have to spend some of that saving on a new paint job.

Although budgets don't usually 'carry over', spending some money on frivolous things (paint job) when you have just managed to save it elsewhere is rather a rather myopic way of looking at budgeting.

Nowhere in his post did Airpolice say he was against the flypast, merely that it may be a bit OTT to repaint aircraft for this one flight before 'scrapping' them.

By the way having said that as a civvy tax payer, (ex FAA) in this particular instance I'd be in favour of the paintjob, even if it is a Crab paint scheme :ok:

[Out Of Trim]

Why do Governments always want to scrap Aircraft and Ships they take out of service?

To my mind, it would make much more sense to keep these assets; that the Country has bought and paid for! A long term storage plan would seem to make more sense.

We Never know if we might need some or all of them again at fairly short notice. What does the government have as a Plan B if we suddenly need the capability?

Borrow some aircraft from the Americans or French! :rolleyes: :ugh: :rolleyes:

[F3sRBest]

Out of Trim,

if not scrapped the assets will remain on the MoD's balance sheet and they will still get charged for them by the Treasury..... you couldn't make this stuff up!

[dctyke]

Out of Trim:

To keep them in any sort of readiness state would take almost as many technicians and support as it takes to keep them flying.

And if we pulled them out at short notice who the hell would fly them? Blackadder and the 20 minuters comes to mind, in fact I'd bet on it being nearer 5!

[tyne]

Guys I'm going to miss you over Wigtown Bay. Sad to think I'll never hear the Pegasus roar again. Thanks from the little kid who'se first memory of a warplane is a GR3 at Wittering - and who'se latest is seeing that last RN Harrier land on ARKR.

It was a pleasure to meet a few of you the other week in Ark. Sad to think certain pubs of Stamford (and wardrooms) will no longer hear your stories.

I am a civvy so have no business posting here.

Dan.

[Epsilon minus]

Forgive them
For they know not
What they do?

[airpolice]

Oh I think they know very well what they are doing.

At some point the country will wake up and give the government of the day a clear mandate to re-arm the forces. This will of course involve building more aircraft which will be tarted up with the promise of British jobs but no matter what they buy, there will be a way for the UK defence industry to be part of it.

Engines or avionics or assembly, you can bet that at some point our current and recently ex lords and masters will have a finger in the till of whatever company gets that deal.

Why keep aircraft that have been paid for when you can make the MOD buy new stuff from your next employer?

[Lukeafb1]

I vividly remember being one of a party of 92nd Entry Halton Apprentices on a visit to Duxford in 1959 (just possibly, 1960). We were treated to a flight of one of the prototypes. When I say ‘flight’, I exaggerate! In fact its maximum altitude possible, was about 6 feet, since it was tethered to the pan by four ruddy great chains! Still, very impressive all the same.:{:{

[muppetofthenorth]

To keep them in any sort of readiness state would take almost as many technicians and support as it takes to keep them flying.

That can't be right. The USAF doesn't have several thousands techies at Davis-Monthan, keeping all of the hundreds of aircraft at readiness. Some are closer than others, but almost all are recoverable.

[Not_a_boffin]

Err, no. They're not. Whilst a proportion are in storage to balance airframe hours, the vast majority are in parts reclaim status or there to be scrapped.

As others have posted, even those that are regenerated from Davis-Monthan take months and that's where there are aircrew and maintainers trained, certified and ready to use them. Re-creating the corporate knowledge, once stood down takes years.

Out of Trim - plan B was deferred as a savings measure.........

[dctyke]

I may be wrong but the last time the RAF tried balancing ac hours was with Lightnings at Binbrook when I was on Lightning Augmentation Flight (LAF). About 50 of us looked after around 20 ac in various states of storage that were rotated thought 5, 11 and LTF. Most of the airframes never flew again although many man hours was spent on their upkeep. Storing a jet ac is not the same as putting your classic car up on jacks in the garage I'm afraid.

[Rhys S. Negative]

I vividly remember being one of a party of 92nd Entry Halton Apprentices on a visit to Duxford in 1959 (just possibly, 1960). We were treated to a flight of one of the prototypes.

I presume you must mean Dunsfold. The first tethered hover was on 21-Oct-1960.

Rhys.

[TEEEJ]

Some images of the Harrier camouflage scheme from yesterday.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5258595391_681cb73f9d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40812808@N06/5258595391/)
DSC_0224HARRIERZG506COTTESM (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40812808@N06/5258595391/) by llihmot (http://www.flickr.com/people/40812808@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5259970415_5d6619b1cc_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40812808@N06/5259970415/)
0045HARRIERGR9COTTESMORE13D (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40812808@N06/5259970415/) by llihmot (http://www.flickr.com/people/40812808@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5259970411_3a4bce52ae_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40812808@N06/5259970411/)
DSC_0161HARRIERZG50613DEC10 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40812808@N06/5259970411/) by llihmot (http://www.flickr.com/people/40812808@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5259970417_011d9effae_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40812808@N06/5259970417/)
DSC_0153HARRIERSUNSETCR (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40812808@N06/5259970417/) by llihmot (http://www.flickr.com/people/40812808@N06/), on Flickr

TJ

[philrigger]

Harrier fly past rehearsal today.

Not sure of complete timings but overflying Wyton between 1445 and 1455
(confirmed).

[kiwibrit]

Saw them overfly Lincoln just now. Diamond formation plus one shepherding aircraft. Superb.

[White Noise]

16 ship Harrier fly past of RAF stations today. I'd like to say it is was good value for money, however the value is sentimental (hardly justifiable) and not helped by the flypast happening 4 minutes early, whereby most people missed it.

[forget]

I think you'll find it was a rehearsal for tomorrow. :)

[CathayBrat]

Hope it was a rehersal, they just went over head here at woodhall spa, v impressive, but would be better lower!

[kiwibrit]

Rehearsal - as noted elsewhere in the forum. Superb flypast over Lincoln.

[barotraumatized]

iRaven

I'm afraid quoting post SDSR MOD 'lines to take' doesn't quite cut it with me or the rest of those in favour of the 'capability' argument winner.

We'll have to agree to disagree on this one....

[glad rag]

Well, I hope the CO's fund picked up the tab for some tinnies for the painters.

Great Job.:D:D:D:D

I wish them well for the future.







[this REALLY sux, doesn't it]

[Willard Whyte]

Since they did so well today, why waste cash makin' 'em fly tomorrow?

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

Well, that's the last aircraft of all the types I flew now out of service. :{I guess I'm now officially old. Still, might as well revel in it rather than be put in a museum myself. I think I'll build a WWI replica and fly that.

[A2QFI]

Because the tax-paying public didn't know they were coming and didn't see them, perhaps? Could you personally fly in a 16 aircraft formation without some practice? Probably not!

[D120A]

Just in case no one else says it, thank you Tom Hill for those photographs. Breathtaking. :ok:

[Stratofreighter]

The route...

Yet another NOTAM for tomorrow (wednesday). New timings for certain bases.

Parent ICAO: EGTT
Start date/time: 15/12/2010 12:55 UTC
End date/time: 15/12/2010 14:10 UTC
Activity period: null
Lower height limit: 000
Upper height limit: 030

FORMATION TRANSIT BY 16 MIL FAST JET ACFT ACFT. THE FORMATION WILL
FORM UP IN VCY OF 5239N 00033E (MARHAM AD) FM 1305 HR AND THEN ROUTE:
5239N 00033E (MARHAM AD) 1318 HR
5221N 00006W (WYTON AD) 1322 HR
5219N 00014W (BRAMPTON) 1325 HR
5237N 00029W (WITTERING AD) 1326 HR
5239N 00029W (STAMFORD) 1327 HR
5302N 00029W (CRANWELL AD) 1331 HR
5310N 00031W (WADDINGTON AD)1332 HR
5318N 00033W (SCAMPTON AD) 1334 HR
5306N 00010W (CONINGSBY AD) 1341 HR
5244N 00039W (COTTESMORE AD)1345 HR
5240N 00044W (OAKHAM) 1346 HR
5244N 00039W (COTTESMORE AD)1350 HR
THE FORMATION WILL REMAIN IN VCY OF 5244N 00039W (COTTESMORE AD)
UNTIL 1400 HR PRIOR TO LANDING. TIMINGS, HGT AND ROUTE ARE APRX AND
MAY CHANGE DUE TO WX OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS. 10-12-0055/AS 1

All times local/GMT


And it should look like this, as seen at Wyton tuesday afternoon:
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh31/Easyrider5258/harrier-16.jpg

[BootFlap]

Good bye old girl, I'll miss you and everyone on the squadrons. I hope the press give you the coverage you deserve later on today (for 41 years of service), and if not maybe PPrune will?

[soddim]

Bye Bye, Bona mate.

[Easy Street]

Sad to think I'll never hear the Pegasus roar again.

Surely you mean the whine? Which, as per age-old banter, will no doubt continue in various corners of the air force for years to come! :p

Seriously, though, very best wishes to all on JFH for the big day.

[Rocket2]

WN - at least you get a chance to see it - us poor folk living outside the Lincolnshire borders aren't so lucky! Good Luck to all the JFH folk on this especially sad day. :mad:
R2

[tezzer]

A sad day indeed. Another British technological marvel retired before it's time, IMHO.

[david parry]

BBC News - Final flight for UK's Harriers at RAF Cottesmore (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11996936) BBC News - How to fly a Harrier Jump Jet (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11996311)

[60024]

Weather not looking to good today for the flypast today. 6K & 600ft cloudbase at Marham at best this afternoon. Not the weather to be flying in a 16 ship.....

Hope it improves.

[Flap62]

White Noise.

You really are a complete spanker.

I don't like resorting to low brow insults but when someone with no idea spouts ill informed and disrespectful bilge then my patience wears somewhat.

[Charley]

Is there anyone on the inside sufficiently close enough to suggest when a go/no-go decision might be made? The cloudbase is pretty low around Lincoln, but it would be a shame to miss it if they launch. Not far from here to three of the named bases due for the final hurrah...

[tezzer]

Saddened that they are not coming North of the Humber !

[Epsilon minus]

At some point the country will wake up and give the government of the day a clear mandate to re-arm the forces.
They will have knocked down the last church and put the finishing touches to the newest mosque before that ever happens.

[Stitchbitch]

No more Bootflap mods...sigh. Laarparts and Cott, 6 years polishing lids for BAD,BAK,DIK,HED (& many others, but they didn't raise a chuckle when the flypro came out ). The puffer jet is dead, long live the puffer jet ! :(

[just another jocky]

Go decision made I believe, but they've not come anywhere near Marham (OVC 300ft).

Shall watch BBC news tonight.

[philrigger]

Flypast Cancelled For Today.

[YOURCASSANDRA]

I heard a very interesting story from a very senior person last Thursday. The MoD had advised the PM that the Tornados and not the Harriers should be decommissioned.
It is alleged that the night before the SDR announcement, three senior RAF officers visited the PM and got him to ignore the advice from the MoD.
So next day, the MoD was as surprised as everyone else.
If there is any truth in this, has anyone any idea who these officers were, and their motivation?

[peppermint_jam]

Strange, I just heard that they all got airborne a short while ago. Perhaps a practice? Anyone at Cott confirm/deny?

[aviate1138]

BBC News - some of the very worst camera work I have ever seen!

Spoilt a poignant moment but then the BBC is no longer what it was! :rolleyes:

[Red Line Entry]

Cassandra (why are you mine?)

Your story is Bollocks. So please don't print it in your newspaper, and if you do, for a change please realise that the spelling is Tornados NOT Tornadoes!

[Flap62]

However it came about:

RAF bins Tornados, keeps Harrier, Navy maintain FW FJ capability, JSF introduced, shared between RAF and RN.

RAF bins Harrier, keeps Tornado, Navy FW FJ ability withers, JSF introduced, Navy unable to man it, RAF asset.

[YOURCASSANDRA]

To RED LINE ENTRY

Spelling changed. Your evidence that the allegation is bollocks?

[effects]

Not a single beat up!!

[F3sRBest]

Did it go or not..... news items on Google says it did...

[Charley]

Did it go or not.....

At least for those of us stood in the cold at Waddington, it certainly never came. The spotters were in force and had a little comms network of their own going. Reports came in of the weather sniffer leaving Cotts, then the first 4-ship, then a report that they "were all airborne". But no flypast for us, sadly.

I did hear an FJ overhead (above cloud), may have been the sniffer...?

[Wrathmonk]

Cassandra

Who in the MoD? CDS, Perm Sec, SofS, USofS???

Very senior person the First Sea Lord by chance?

The only person you actually name is the PM - why not put a FoI request in to his 'outer office' and ask there???

And why wait almost a week before asking the question. Surely this would have been a better scoop if it had not been on the day of the Harriers (supposed) last flight? Or did X Factor / Katie Price / some non-WAG take priority over concern for the national Defence?

Troll.

[Red Line Entry]

That's an interesting one - how to prove that something that didn't happen, didn't happen. For my next trick, let me prove the non-existance of God...

OK, let me put it another way, for starters your premise is incorrect. You say:

"The MoD had advised the PM that the Tornados and not the Harriers should be decommissioned." (How do you do the cool quotey thing that puts the words in a box?)

So who is 'the MoD' here? DG Strat? Hd Strat Man (Prog)? PUS? CDS? An endorsed paper from the DSPG or DB? Hd Navy RP?

The ONLY opinion that counts is either an endorsed paper by the DB, approved by SofS, or a decision by the DMC.

Bearing in mind that ALL 3 of the current Chiefs of Staff (who sit on both the DB and the DMC) have said that they endorsed the decision to bin Harrier, I do not believe that the 'MOD advice' was to bin Tornado. Therefore, how could a group of RAF officers change the PM's mind when the formal advice he had received was to bin Harrier?

Not quite QED, but a pretty good open-source argument.

[airpolice]

RED

Check yer PMs

[Epsilon minus]

YC
I recall that Apollo granted Cass' the gift of prophecy (or profecy in your case)
but added a caveat that no one would believe her after an affray normally reserved for the lager louts of Exeter on a Saturday night.
I agree with you though - the Tornado should be going to the knackers yard not the Harrier.
EM

[aw ditor]

Not even a sniff(er) of an aircraft at Wyton at 1322. Bl...y cold wind off the Fens! Will they have another go tomorrow in the snow?

[just another jocky]

I agree with you though - the Tornado should be going to the knackers yard not the Harrier.

Oh, pray tell why? So that 3 sqns of less-capable Harrier (it must be true, their Lordships said it is) can cover Op HERRICK and the embarked committment for the next 10 years. Who covers contingency plans? Who provides theatre NTISR (and I'm not talking Sniper/Litening)?

It's a travesty that Harrier is gone though.

[TEEEJ]

D120A. Thanks. See following links for more photographic coverage from both RAF Cottesmore and Wittering.

Cottesmore 13th December, what a day! (http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=29609)

Harrier Drawdown - week by week (http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=28814)

From the following where there is further photo coverage.

Modern Military Photography • UK Airshow Review Message Board (http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=9)

For those that missed the flypast. This would have been from yesterday over RAF Wyton.

zoFCp17yoyo

To all those involved with the Harrier. Thank You! :D :ok:

TJ

[TEEEJ]

Some more videos from yesterday.

bcWMqQicxT4

J0-Y2VKmraA

TJ

[Il Duce]

"Finger on the pulse" ITV news at lunchtime stated that RAF Cottesmore was in Lincolnshire and the flypast was to take place in that county alone.

[dope05]

What a total and utter waste, anyway thanks Syd.

[flying lid]

I think this coalition should be decommisioned & scrapped, 4.5 years early.

Disgusting what they are doing - AND getting away with. " brand new" carriers soon - no bloody aircraft - what would Churchill have thought?.

I remember a Horizon programme, many, many years ago about the Harrier & Mr Farley. I still have it on video - betamax !! (Sony betamax player still works too) Fantastic aircraft, even today.

Nothing left soon, only mega debt for all of us slaves, and (a very few) hyper-rich elite bankers.

Lid

[muttywhitedog]

"Finger on the pulse" ITV news at lunchtime stated that RAF Cottesmore was in Lincolnshire and the flypast was to take place in that county alone.

"Finger on the pulse" MOD website has pictures of the 16-ship that apparently flew over 7 bases, Lincoln Cathedral, Stamford & Oakham today - they even have a photo that was taken today! Err, I think not...

Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Equipment and Logistics | Harrier bids a final farewell (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/HarrierBidsAFinalFarewell.htm)

You'd think the MOD would get their facts right...

But then again, they were the ones who decided to retire such a fine aircraft, so I guess its a blessing they didnt stick up a photo of 16 tornados flying in formation!

[airpolice]

Harrier bids a final farewell

An Equipment and Logistics (http://www.pprune.org/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/) news article

15 Dec 10

Tributes were paid to the joint force of Royal Navy and RAF Harrier aircraft today as a spectacular flypast across eastern England marked the aircraft's retirement after 41 years of service.


http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Templates/GenerateThumbnail.aspx?imageURL=/NR/rdonlyres/B0929812-44A7-4E6B-B419-8BEF9F4D71B0/0/COT10857OutUnclass066.jpg&maxSize=210


A pilot prepares for the final flight of the GR9 Harriers from 1(F) Squadron, 800 Naval Air Squadron and IV(R) Squadron at RAF Cottesmore
[Picture: Senior Aircraftman Mark Dixon, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

A formation of 16 Harriers took to the skies over Lincolnshire, flying over seven RAF bases, Lincoln Cathedral and the towns of Stamford and Oakham.
Brought into service in 1969 and based at RAF Wittering, this British aircraft was designed to take off and land both vertically and on a short runway.
Well known for its role in the Falklands War, the Harrier went on to serve in many other conflicts including in Bosnia and Iraq in the 1990s.
The RAF and Royal Navy Harrier squadrons joined forces in 2000 to form Joint Force Harrier, based at RAF Cottesmore. These combined Harrier squadrons went on to serve in Sierra Leone, the second Gulf War and most recently Afghanistan.




Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell, said:"The Harrier is a true icon and stands testament to the innovation and excellence of British design and engineering, and the skill and courage of our airmen."It has had a truly distinguished service with both the RAF and the Royal Navy, from the South Atlantic to the skies over Afghanistan. It now takes its place in history as one of aviation's greats."http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Templates/GenerateThumbnail.aspx?imageURL=/NR/rdonlyres/44EDF4BD-FE2C-4415-8940-FF9C119B6469/0/COT10865OutUnc002.jpg&maxSize=210


16 Harriers in formation on the last day of flying on 15 Decemeber 2010 [Picture: Cpl Al Crowe, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]



Officer Commanding 800 Naval Air Squadron, Commander Dave Lindsay, said:"The Harrier leaves UK service after an illustrious career that has seen it contribute to every major conflict in the last 30 years. It has been an enormous personal privilege and honour to have been involved with this wonderful aircraft for nearly 20 years, at sea and over land, at peace and in conflict."

A Harrier GR9 lands onboard HMS Ark Royal (stock image)
[Picture: LA (Phot) Luis Holden, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]



"I will forever be immensely proud to be able to say I have been a Royal Navy Harrier Squadron Commander."http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Templates/GenerateThumbnail.aspx?imageURL=/NR/rdonlyres/067A0D21-DBE4-485C-90D8-FCE8502FADC3/0/04140990.jpg&maxSize=210Last year the aircraft celebrated its 40th anniversary
as the Harrier squadrons flew home after five years in Afghanistan.



Joint Force Harrier Commander, Group Captain Gary Waterfall, said:"As the last Harrier Force Commander, it has been a real honour to ensure that the Harrier has been retired from service with all of the respect and dignity deserved."Today has been a tribute to everybody involved with the Harrier family."

I have no doubt that in an Orwellian move, this "Error" will be "Corrected" soon. However, here on pprune we have the truth, safe from being tampered with. I can understand the preparation of the press release, but not the fact that it is still on the MOD website at this time of night.

[airpolice]

Tributes were paid to the joint force of Royal Navy and RAF Harrier aircraft today as a spectacular flypast across eastern England marked the aircraft's retirement after 41 years of service.

A formation of 16 Harriers took to the skies over Lincolnshire, flying over seven RAF bases, Lincoln Cathedral and the towns of Stamford and Oakham.


Oh no they didn't!

[Dengue_Dude]

Sad though isn't it.

I remember as a teenager seeing the P1127 landing at Tangmere in the 1960s.

Next close up of SHARs was through the camera on a Tristar during AAR a lot of years later.

What a sad day, to think that's the last we're likely to see of them.

Bloody shame, just makes you wonder what argument meant their demise instead of the two new and useless carriers.

[TheWizard]

A final two fingers being shown by the pilot wearing a non-authorised leather jacket for flying in?!!:ok: Go on , you would wouldn't you? :ok:
Harrier Drawdown - week by week (http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=28814&start=75)

[500N]

Will the 4 "specials" stay in the colour schemes for the fly past or
will they be repainted ?

[John Farley]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/johnfarley/PPRuNe.jpg

[The B Word]

The 'no show' today simply demonstrates another reason why GR4 was kept - TFR gives a low-level marginal-VMC/IFR option!

A sad way for the "puffer jet" to go after bailing us out for axing the Ark Royal too early in the 70s (the last time we had a REAL Carrier STRIKE capability) - roll on 2018/20 to get a decent multi-role carrier capability.

RIP

The B Word

[Vox Populi]

The 'no show' today simply demonstrates another reason why GR4 was kept - TFR gives a low-level marginal-VMC/IFR option!

A cheap shot old chap! 16 ship formation needs good vis, not TFR!

V sad day, had two great training sorties in the back of Harrier, breathtaking, and left me with a very strong impression of the skills and professionalism of the whole force from the armourer to the pilot.

A strong well equipped armed forces are an important part of our national identity. A source of pride. Today was the opposite, a reason to feel ashamed and unhappy. Oh Britain, what have you become?

[iRaven]

Cheap shot, maybe, but a 16 ship TFR airfield attack would still be better than nothing at all - especially at 600kts+ at 250ft (another thing the dear old jumping bean couldn't do).

Anyone know if the CAA will issue a Permit to Fly if a GR9 migrates into civil hands? It is still a worthwhile airshow attraction (as it ever was).

Mr Farley, you should be proud of your efforts Sir. Your achievements on the development of Harrier are an inspiration to this day.

iRaven

[Jabawocky]

There is one privately owned and flying in the USA.....from what I understand when he purchased it they never expected it to flown, just a museum piece. The guy happens to have flown them in the USN and his home town had a large number of Harrier engineers on hand so hey presto! Air Show Material!

Somehow I think it was not likely to happen again :{ just like the F111 :{

here is some footage from my trip to Oshkosh this year :D towards the end is the Harrier display!

n42FDZRIt2w

[XZ439]

Happiness is VSTOL!

[BUCC09]

# aviate 1138

BBC News - some of the very worst camera work I have ever seen!

Spoilt a poignant moment but then the BBC is no longer what it was!

You are absolutely right. The worst camera work I have ever seen on a live outside broadcast. It just had to be a trainee cameraman. The sound of sixteen Pegasus engines spooling down in unison must have been an evocative, and poignant moment. Unfortunately, we will never know because the BBC news anchors broke away to bring an update on the latest unemployment figures. It seems the only news stories worthy of uninterrupted coverage are the sight of a whale floundering in the Thames river, or aggrieved protesters urinating on historic monuments around Parliament Square.

[tezzer]

Shpuld have had a 16 bird run up the Thames, pausing only to deposit someting nasty and noisy on the building with the big clock tower just aside Westminster Bridge.

[WeekendFlyer]

A very sad day. I did quite a lot of work on Harrier over the years, including some of the GR9 upgrade trials work. Typical of the MOD to spend several hundred million £ to modernize a fleet then scrap it...

Flew in a T10 in 97, awesome experience. I will always have fond memories of the Harrier. RIP.

And best wishes to everyone in the Harrier world who now faces an uncertain future.

WF

[NutLoose]

Sums it up really...

http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=1fov5m&outx=0&quality=70&noresize=1

From

RAF Harrier Farewell, RAF Cottesmore :: Fotopic.Net (http://jonf45planes.fotopic.net/c1924542.html)

[Al R]

My most enjoyable tour was with 1(F) when it was getting the GR7 (although it probably wouldn't return the sentiment :ok: ).

I was disapointed to have missed being there yesterday, but still - all good things must come to an end and it did us well over the years, so its a time for pride too - however badly premature the decision was/is. Lets face it, not chucking the Irish a few billions would have helped retain skills set and capability.

I'll miss 'em in the sky over Rutland although I heard talk yesterday that they may be retained for Reservists(?) - and will any be sent to Boscombe? Also, if yesterday was the final Operational Flight, are any to be flown out for museums etc too? I'd like to have one final look.

[barotraumatized]

iRaven.

Please will you just let it go. You say you'd rather see a 16 jet TFR airfield attack? Rather than the 16 jets hovering as per yesterday, which is something the UK will NEVER see again. Stop with the petty cheap digs and let the men and women who have any connection with this feat of engineering reitre with the dignity it deserves.....

BT

[fred737]

Sir Steve and the others didn't have the balls or respect to be at Cott yesterday. One RN Commodore and allegedly one Air Commode (in Civies so hard to spot).

Sir Steve allegedly had other commitments!!!!!!! and so I suppose did the others.

An appaling lack of respect and another example of poor leadership from the Airships.

[rogcal]

Excuse me for being an interloper from the private flying forum but living under the approach to Cottesmore on the Lincolnshire Fens, Harriers have been a way of life for us for many years and they will be sorely missed in the skies over my strip.

Now, I have a question that someone on here may be able to answer.

Living where we do, I can safely say that I can tell from the noise alone what type of fast jet is flying overhead and last night I'm convinced I heard a Harrier flying low level over the house.

Could I have imagined it or is there a chance that someone was having a very, very last jolly in one!

[Jig Peter]

For whatever reasons, the RAF's Harriers have said their official farewells - but, if it's any consolation, I believe that they're still operational with the air arms of Spain and Italy, not to mention the US Marines, without whose energetic efforts and effective politicking Hawkers would never have been enabled to get it beyond the prototype stage.
I remember many years ago a Wing Commander in 2ATAF commenting that the trouble with operating such an aircraft away from runways was that getting fuel and ammo supplies to dispersed fields and "tennis courts" made it a completely impractical idea.
By that time (early 60s, I guess) RAF Germany seemed to have lost any idea of mobility which 2nd TAF had inherited from the Desert Air Force, up through Tunisia and on through Italy. The whole idea of Tactical used to be BE MOBILE - but once that huge set of buildings at Mônchen Gladbach had been built, "staying put" set in* - and VSTOL operation seemed to be thought of as "inconvenient".

*Except perhaps a mad dash to the nearest coast to catch whatever ship would take them back to UK if the Soviet Hordes started to roll ...

[shiftkeying]

They're not really being scrapped, it's just a ploy to get the Argies to invade The Falklands in time for the next General Election.

[Vertico]

John,

Thank you for your post. Disappointed not to see you at Cottesmore yesterday - a sad but fitting final tribute to a magnificent aircraft to which you personally made such a major contribution.

[romeo bravo]

Fred737

There was an Air Commodore there, didn't recognise him. Turned up along the line as the pilots were walking away from their jets. Must have been a flier, he was wearing his leather flying jacket :O

[ex-fast-jets]

Instead of collectively giving tribute to the passing of a unique aircraft which served its country well for many decades, we end up bickering - in a public forum - over who does what better. No wonder the civil servants & politicians can so easily make cuts.

[John Farley]

Thank you.

I was sorry not to be there but I had a prior engagement at Yeovilton the night before.

JF

[bad bear]

how many Harriers did we have left and what will happen to the airframes?
bb

[TEEEJ]

BB wrote,

how many Harriers did we have left and what will happen to the airframes?

See numbers break down on following.

Carry On, Harrier: key.Aero, Military Aviation (http://www.key.aero/view_feature.asp?ID=3&thisSection=military)

'The contract has flexibility to allow for surge periods of high demand and an increase in capacity up to 20%, but normally will require 45 GR9s and 7 T12s to be available for operations from a pool of 66 and 9 respectively, which is a particular challenge regarding the two-seat T12 with only two reserves to play with. The recent loss of a Harrier T12 in Cyprus on February 9 is stretching two-seater availability. Group Captain Ebdon confirmed that a recent review had looked at purchasing US Marine TAV-8Bs, were they were considered too far from RAF standard to be viable.'


You can also check them out by serial running from ZD318 to ZH665 at the following.

UK Serials (http://www.ukserials.com/)

Harrier Production (http://www.harrier.org.uk/history/history_production.htm)

From

Harrier.org.uk homepage (http://www.harrier.org.uk/index.html)

TJ

[G-CPTN]

I was sorry not to be there but I had a prior engagement at Yeovilton the night before.
What would have been nice would have been a trip in a (T10) Harrier to arrive at Cottesmore 'in style'!