Tales from a Harrier GR3 pilot

[mikeyoung1801]

A nice insight from a former Harrier GR3 pilot talking about his time in Germany and other tours.


92NmyhA8DOg

[Wetstart Dryrun]

Thank you for the link.

Bob is up at the top of life's skilled gentlemen.

[mikeyoung1801]

No worries, it sounds like he had a great career.

[H Peacock]

He comes across very well in the video. Despite his extensive Harrier background, I assume it's his Jaguar experience that has made him such a nice bloke! ��

[Al R]

I enjoyed that.

[Rossian]

.... having been too tall for the Gnat then too tall for the Hunter how did he fit into a GR3? The last section of the video with him stting in the cockpit gives the impression that with a helmet on he'd have a problem closing the canopy (unless the seat could lowered by a lot) I did once sit in a GR3 prior to them departing on the northbound route to one of the "Flags" and thinking to myself as I looked at the space available "Sooner you than me matey, where will I get cup of tea?"

The Ancient Mariner

[mikeyoung1801]

I have also sat in one and it is the smallest cockpit I have been in!

[MSOCS]

He comes across very well in the video. Despite his extensive Harrier background, I assume it's his Jaguar experience that has made him such a nice bloke! ��

Bob's Jaguar experience didn't make him excessively "nice" though.....;);)

[longer ron]

Total height is often not the limitation for jet aircrew.
Thigh bone length is often the limitation for safe ejection.
Twice in my career I was involved in anthropometric trials for safe ejection measurements,the limiting factor was usually control spectacles,glare shields,instrument panel,mirrors,windscreen/canopy arch etc.

[Arfur Dent]

Great stuff. Enjoyed that a lot. Thanks.

[mikeyoung1801]

I didnt know that, very interesting indeed 'longer ron'!

[1.3VStall]

Prima, bona jet......booooring!

[Cows getting bigger]

Bob Marston was/is probably one of the nicest guys I ever met in the RAF, despite being labeled a Harrier Pilot. :)

[AllTrimDoubt]

Concur. A gentleman who managed to exude effortless efficiency!

[mikeyoung1801]

He comes across that way in the interview.

[mikeyoung1801]

How long was the GR3 in service for with the RAF?

[sandiego89]

How long was the GR3 in service for with the RAF?


This reference suggests GR3's were in service from 1973 to 1994. The GR3's were a mix of 40 new built and 60+ converted from GR1.


http://www.harriersig.org.uk/reference/harrierreferencev1105.pdf

[mikeyoung1801]

Thanks a lot for the info.

[mikeyoung1801]

Are there any GR3's flying anywhere currently? I know Art Nalls flies a sea Harrier but thats it.

[TEEEJ]

Are there any GR3's flying anywhere currently? I know Art Nalls flies a sea Harrier but thats it.
Art Nalls also has a GR.3. He has stated in the past that he wanted to return it to flight. I would think that is on the back-burner as he intends to return a T.8 back to flight.

The TMk 8 two-seat Harrier ? Nalls Aviation (http://artnalls.com/about-nalls-aviation/the-tmk-8-two-seat-harrier/)

artnalls ? Nalls Aviation (http://192.254.234.46/~artnalls/)

XZ130 in the UK is a ground runner and up for sale.

ZNYitPz2Bas&feature=related

U3oDijG0Fw4&feature=related

[mikeyoung1801]

Very nice, they have done this up beautifully!
I also found a video of Bob Marston from when he was a display pilot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxlQkyx4EOs&feature=youtu.be

[blimey]

Larry Ching's name is on the side of XV130. Does anyone one know what he's doing now, and if so, could you drop me a pm with a contact - it's been a long time and it would be nice to say hello.

Ta.

[dynamics]

Fascinating interview as usual Mike (have been watching them for a while now) - please do keep them coming! :)

Whilst following your link, I came across this video which features Bob during his QFI days.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joUzXB6t0Gw