1:48 Hawker Sea Harrier
Item #61026

Product Description

About the Hawker Sea Carrier
The Hawker Siddeley Harrier astounded the world with its unique
ability to take-off and land vertically utilizing vectored thrust

from its powerful 8000kg thrust engine. First tested in concept
in 1960, the aircraft went through many periods of testing and
modification prior to acceptance by the Royal Air Force and other

nations in 1974. The production Harriers utilized either a
Pegasus 6 or 11 engine of 8000 or 9750kg thrust and it was only
natural that the Royal Navy should find application for this type

of aircraft with their fleet air arm. Various political and
financial considerations delayed the order for the "Navalized"
Harrier until May 1975, when the Admiralty ordered an initial 24
aircraft plus one T.Mk.4's in 1980.
The FRS.1 is easily distinguished from its land based
counterparts by a modified nose section incorporating a raised
pilots seat and Ferranti Blue Fox radar, plus principal armament
of Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles and AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air
missiles. Martel or Harpoon ASMs may be carried as alternatives
to Sea Eagle until the latter become operational. The first FRS.1

to fly was actually the initial production Sea Harrier, on 20
August 1978, and the prototype model later in December 1978. The
home of the Sea Harriers was designated Yeovilton Navy Base, and
they received the first aircraft in June 1979, where intensive
flight trials began with '100/VL' squadron four days later.

This IFTU unit was designated 700A squadron in September 1979 and

was re-designated 899 Squadron in March 1980. Three "Through -
Deck" cruisers had been ordered for Sea Harrier operations:
Invincible; Illustrious and Ark Royal, the first of which was
commissioned in July 1980. All three vessels are to be fitted
with a "Ski-jump" to assist take-off with full load, and this
installation was also added to the commando carrier HMS Hermes
when it was allotted a Sea Harrier squadron. A small export order

for Sea Harriers was placed by India in November 1979 for six
FRS.51's and two T.60 trainers.

The Sea Harrier, along with the GR3 Harriers from the RAF, were
put to actual combat tests during the recent Falkland Islands
crisis. The British South Atlantic force was built up with the
addition of GR3 and FRS.1 Harriers bringing the total jump jet
strength to around 40 aircraft carriers Hermes and Invincible.
The Sea Harrier (FRS.1) has about 30% more re-action control for
easier landings, and better 'over the nose' visibility; however,
the GR3's from the RAF worked well in the overall operations
during the conflict and both aircraft distinguished themselves to

the utmost. The Royal Navy Harriers, during the conflict, were
painted in the new "toned down" finish of matte sea blue overall,

while the RAF aircraft were in the extra dark sea gray scheme.
With a cruise speed of mach .9 and a top speed of 1.25, and
landing speed of 0, this is truly a versatile combat aircraft and

one that will be in weapons inventories for many years to come.

Suggested Paint Colors

X-1 - Black
X-10 - Gun Metal
X-11 - Chrome Silver
X-2 - White
X-23 - Clear Blue
X-3 - Royal Blue
X-4 - Blue
X-7 - Red
X-8 - Lemon Yellow
XF-1 - Flat Black
XF-23 - Light Blue
XF-24 - Dark Grey
XF-56 - Metallic Grey
XF-57 - Buff
XF-61 - Dark Green
XF-66 - Light Grey