If GP Capt Gary waterfall the Harrier jump jet at RAF Cottesmore 18.41 p.m. yesterday landed, an extraordinary chapter in British military history came to an end. More than 40 years after its maiden flight, the most famous fighter plane had made his last sortie since the Spitfire. For a few minutes the base's was 16 Harriers side by side on the road, before shutting down their engines Rolls Royce Pegasus. It was a poignant moment - and that made it difficult not to conclude that these levels were stroking made a terrible mistake. The harrier, developed by Hawker Siddeley, was one of the great success stories of the British engineering to launch a unique aircraft able and land vertically. Other countries have tried to emulate the design with little success. Its flexibility meant it most famous could be used in any theatre from the decks of the invincible and Hermes during the Falklands war and finally Afghanistan.
The Harrier was by many forms because the GR1 air took in 1969; but the GR9 version had eight years life even if the recent defence review it, early retirement forced. It is understandable that the anger, caused this under which Member of the RAF and, above all in the Royal Navy are associated with the aircraft. But the decision is for good or bad, delivered; What must now be avoided is the loss of years of accumulated knowledge to go with it. Harrier pilots using the aircraft are among the best in the business because of the difficulties. Senior Royal Navy officers a rear of 20 Harriers of reservists are flown to keep and for training. This is not moist eyes sentimentality but rather a sober recognition that, to the new aircraft carriers commissioned in 2020 the skills come the required from you fight must be maintained.
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