Originally Posted by
Double Zero
I can't believe you're calling the Harrier a bomber, except for the AV-8B, GR5 5-9 apart from Harrier 2+ ...
The point is it's a proven, AMRAAM etc capable aircraft, even capable of carrying 'special' or rescued people.
It's a proven platform,
I am amazed.
Armament: AIM-9 Sidewinder, Maverick, Paveway II, Paveway III, Enhanced Paveway, General Purpose Bombs, CRV-7, Cluster Bombs
Look more bomber than fighter to me.
And this website seems to agree:
The primary purpose of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is to fulfill the ground attack duties now performed by aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-18 Hornet, and AV-8B Harrier. In other words, the JSF is often referred to as a "bomb truck" that will attack ground targets once the skies have been cleared of any enemy fighter threat by dedicated air superiority fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-15 Eagle.
So, on what basis are you suggesting the Harrier is not a bomber?