Harrier Disbandment NEW photos

[jimbuna]

Hi devilfish,

The refuel probes are a bolt on item and if not fitted, the holes for fuel, hydraulics and electrics are sealed and blanked.

Rare to see a jet without one in past few years as they are always fitted on Op Herrick and were used in UK for training or roulement of jets to and from Afghan.

More pictures on soon of last harrier day yesterday, unfortunately the weather was too poor at Cottesmore for the 16ship to fly over their home base. Jets won't fly again now as Cott and Witt runways are closed. Next time may be in a cargo plane but no news of disposal yet.

Absolutely gutted to read that final sentence

[keefr22]

Absolutely gutted to read that final sentence

Yes, I felt exactly the same. Really brings it home as to just how little of our 'Air Force' is left......

K

[Devilfish]

Hi devilfish,

The refuel probes are a bolt on item and if not fitted, the holes for fuel, hydraulics and electrics are sealed and blanked.

Yes, I know, but as you also said, it's rare to see them without...

@keefr22......

Yes, I agree. Apparently under a certain number, it can no longer be an "Air Force" but is classed as a "Militia"

Personally I think "RFC" will be more approriate again....."Royal Flying Club"

[garry]

Hi Folks,

here are some more I took today of all 4 colour jets at Cottesmore. They all went up together for a photo shoot and there was even a little late winter sunshine. The camouflaged jet should have had tail art but it was a large sticker that didn't look like it would take too well so its just the harrier dates down the leading edge now.

Now this may be a little controversial but why are we getting rid of such a capable and unique jet that can do a short conventional landing of a few hundred feet, lift back up in a hover:-

Then bow to the people in the control tower:-

Select gear up, turn 180 degrees:-

Throttle up and vector its nozzles to pull up and climb away from a standing start:-

Finally coming back round to land:-

I help fix them and I can't work it out but there are alot of upset people on Cottesmore and Wittering. They still have plenty of life in their bones.

If enough people are interested I will post a walkround of the camo jet. Easy enough for modellers to paint without buying specialist decals as the stencils are standard GR7/9 and the camo is almost exactly the GR1 scheme.

I can post all over views/pics to get every angle right, just add a comment if you want to see them as it will take a little time and I will need to upgrade my photo account!!

[HOUSTON]

WOW !!! Nice ..makes for a cool desktop ...