Harrier GR 7/9 Units in Combat

During the 1990s and the first decade of the new millennium, the Harrier GR 7/9 was at the forefront of the RAF's weaponry against well-equipped standing armies and irregular forces. It conducted No Fly Zone patrols over northern Iraq, supported UN forces in the Balkans, and embarked on Royal Navy carriers to bolster the RAF presence ashore in the Arabian Gulf. Michael Napier provides a rare insiders look at the deployment of Harrier GR 7/9 up to its withdrawal from RAF service in 2010, including upgrades such as more powerful engines and the creation of the GR 9/9A variants in 2005.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Harrier GR 7/9 played a pivotal role in the RAF's arsenal during the 1990s and early 2000s, serving as a formidable weapon against well-equipped standing armies and irregular forces. As part of the Harrier GR 7/9 Force, these aircraft conducted No Fly Zone patrols over northern Iraq, provided support to UN forces in the Balkans, and embarked on Royal Navy carriers to enhance the RAF's presence ashore in the Arabian Gulf. In 2000, Harrier GR 7s from HMS Illustrious conducted operations over Sierra Leone and were actively involved in the second Gulf War, providing Close Air Support to Coalition forces.

Former RAF Tornado pilot Michael Napier has meticulously chronicled the action-packed history of the Harrier GR 7/9 and its missions across various regions, including West Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Afghanistan, spanning a remarkable 14-year period of ceaseless operations.

The Harrier GR 7/9 was a cutting-edge aircraft that played a crucial role in the RAF's operations during the 1990s and early 2000s. It was assigned to the Harrier GR 7/9 Force and undertook a wide range of missions, including No Fly Zone patrols over northern Iraq, support to UN forces in the Balkans, and deployments on Royal Navy carriers to bolster the RAF's presence ashore in the Arabian Gulf.

One notable deployment of Harrier GR 7s was in 2000, when they flew from HMS Illustrious over Sierra Leone. This operation was part of the international effort to restore peace and stability to the country, which had been ravaged by civil war. The Harriers provided crucial air support to ground forces and helped to secure key strategic locations.

In 2003, the Harrier GR 7/9 was again deployed to the Middle East, this time as part of the coalition forces involved in the second Gulf War. The aircraft played a vital role in providing Close Air Support to coalition forces, helping to soften enemy defenses and support ground operations.

Throughout its service, the Harrier GR 7/9 underwent numerous upgrades and modifications. These included the installation of more powerful engines, which enhanced its performance and range, and the introduction of the GR 9/9A variants in 2005. These variants featured improved avionics and weapons systems, making them even more effective in combat.

Michael Napier's book provides a rare insiders look at the deployment of Harrier GR 7/9 up to its withdrawal from RAF service in 2010. He has drawn on his extensive Service contacts, supported by both official and personal photographs and 30 artwork profiles, to illustrate the wide range of colours worn and ordnance employed by the 'jump jet.'

In conclusion, the Harrier GR 7/9 was a remarkable aircraft that played a pivotal role in the RAF's operations during the 1990s and early 2000s. Its deployment in various regions, including West Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Afghanistan, showcased its versatility and effectiveness in combat. The aircraft underwent numerous upgrades and modifications over the years, and its contributions to the RAF's operations were significant. Michael Napier's book provides a valuable insight into the history and deployment of the Harrier GR 7/9, making it a must-read for anyone interested in military aviation.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 184 x 247 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472857613