Mobius,
I've never flown a Harrier, so I can't vouch for its capabilities personally. However I have I met several FJ pilots from several countries who speak very highly of its capabilities. In visual range combat its small size and (almost) smoke free engine make it very difficult to spot and it is a difficult aircraft to defeat unless you have been specifically trained in anti-harrier tactics. In BVR, who knows? Its more down to the combo of radar and missiles, although by all account the FA2 acquits itself well. Maybe John Farley can elaborate on its capabilities vs conventional fighters.
http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/...php3?page=6023
Oggin,
I'm pretty certain that Illustious and Ark Royal will stay on until the new carriers are completed. During the 80's and 90's Invincible was driven pretty hard while other two were used much less so. Ark spent many years alongside at Pompey without her engines. Invincible is scheduled to decom in 2006 and she has recently had a modest refit to stretch her that long. I would like to see her converted into an LPH, however her crew size will probably preclude this.
Lusty's refit will make her the most modern of the three. Ark has one more major refit scheduled in 2008/9.
As for Invincible, I suspect the advert in the newsagents window will read something like this:
For Sale. One 20,000 ton CVS (with potential for LPH conversion). Well maintained throughout with FSH. Comes complete with fixed wing (FA2) and rotary airgroup (SK6). Best offers in the region of £75m secures.
Gotta believe that India is already sniffing around her.