How do Harrier jets work?
A Harrier jet can takeoff or land vertically because the jet engine provides a stream of fast moving air through nozzles attached to the side of the engine. A system that controls the rotation of the nozzles directs the air (thrust) downward. Air passes through the fan and LP (low-pressure) compressor system.
What makes the Harrier jet different from other jets?
An unusual feature of the Harrier family of aircraft is their use of two types of flight control to provide pitch, roll and yaw control: conventional control surfaces for wingborne flight, and a system of reaction control valves directing jets of bleed air from the high-pressure compressor of the engine out through the …
What is the purpose of the Harrier jet?
Harrier, single-engine, “jump-jet” fighter-bomber designed to fly from combat areas and aircraft carriers and to support ground forces.
What engine was in the Harrier?
TurbofanRolls-Royce Pegasus
How long can a Harrier hover?
The Harrier can only hover for 90 seconds, in this time it uses 150 gallons of water to keep the engine cool.
Can the Harrier dogfight?
The Harrier did achieve some 15–20 aerial kills but never engaged in a real dogfight since the only Argentine dogfighting “capable” plane was the Mirage 3, which never really engaged as air supressors but as an escort/decoy for the A4 Skyhawks in their bombing runs against the British fleet heavely loaded with external …
Can a Harrier fly backwards?
The Harrier can also hover like a helicopter, fly sideways, go backwards, and even stop and turn in mid-air. They point downwards for take-off and landing, and backwards for normal, high-speed flight.
Why did Britain stop making Harrier jump jets?
A British icon. The decision to close down the British Harrier force almost overnight was significant in many ways. The joint Royal Air Force/Royal Navy fleet of vertical/short take-off and landing (V/STOL) aircraft stemmed from a Cold War desire to operate from small, unprepared airstrips.
Was the Harrier any good?
Like most successful military aircraft, it was very good at the job it was designed for. During the most notable conflict involving the Harrier, the Falklands War, the British essentially forced the Argentinian forces to fight on their terms, which took great advantage of the capabilities of the Harrier.
Can a Harrier fire while hovering?
Technically speaking Harrier is not a VTOL aircraft, practically all the helicopters are however, so in that context yes, a lot of VTOL aircraft has fired on the enemy while in hover, though it’s not standard practice. You don’t want to be standing still while shooting at the enemy if they can see you.
How many Harrier jets have crashed?
According to Indian media reports, as many as 16 out of a total 31 Indian Navy Sea Harriers were destroyed in crashes, which claimed seven pilots over a two decade period up to 2007.
Can the Harrier go supersonic?
There may be differences between variants, but the Sea Harrier FRS. 1 could and did go supersonic (to about Mach 1.2) in a dive. It was broadly similar to the AV-8A/C versions. None of the Harrier family could go supersonic in level flight, though.
Why was the Harrier jump jet so important in 1982?
During the 1982 Falklands Campaign, carrier-borne Sea Harriers were the only aircraft Britain could deploy in the South Atlantic. Their ability to swivel their engine thrust gave them a highly successful manoeuvrability against conventional Argentine aircraft.
Which countries still use the Harrier jump jet?
The Harrier is used by many military forces. The United States Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force (RAF) use versions which are specially designed for taking off and landing on aircraft carriers. Other countries which use the Harrier include Thailand and India.
How high can a Harrier jet fly?
5,000 ft
Can I buy a Harrier jump jet?
The Harrier Jump Jet is being sold by courtesyaircraft.com and is virtually complete, with spares. The cockpits are pristine. The front cockpit is virtually identical to the single-seat Sea Harrier, as this was the Sea Harrier trainer.
How much does it cost to buy a Harrier jet?
A used Sea Harrier Jump Jet costs just $1.5 million dollars, which is pretty damn reasonable, considering an F-35 runs about $120 million dollars, if you get the cheap one.