Originally Posted by
dctyke
The Harrier GR5 was not the next mark of the airframe, it was a completely new aircraft.
Sometimes politics and money comes into play, and I think the second generation Harrier (or Harrier II) was part of that. Yes the Harrier II/GR5/AV8B was largely an entirely new aircraft, but you want the politicians to think you are just buying an upgraded new and improved model. Well proven, nothing to see here....same with the Super Hornet. 737Max anyone?
Conversely sometimes you don't want them thinking your are buying something already obsolete, and with the peace dividend cancellations the B-29D becomes the B-50! F-102B becomes the F-106....