1/32 Revell BAe (Hawker) Harrier GR Mk 3 (early)

Gallery Article by John Smalbrugge on Feb 22 2012

 

 

THE HARRIER

The world's first vertical take-off fighter to be used in combat is Britain's remarkable Harrier.  Used during the Falkland Islands dispute early in 1982 it had the unique ability to rise vertically from the ground, or even in mid-flight, gives this fighting machine a great advantage in a conventional dog-fight.

 

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The secret of the Harrier's unexcelled manoeuvrability rests in the construction of its power plant. Instead of a single tail-pipe directing the engine thrust straight back, the Harrier's engine uses four swiveling outlets on the fuselage sides.  The two forward nozzles deflect cold air from the huge compressor fan, while the two rear nozzles discharge the hot jet exhaust.  The position of these four nozzles determine the direction the Harrier will fly.  Careful use of the throttle by the pilot can increase or decrease the trust to equal the weight of the plane.  When the trust equals the weight, the Harrier can stand still in the air!

Under zero-airspeed, or very slow flight mode, the Harrier uses small jet like thrusters in the wing tips, nose and tail for control.  In normal flight, conventional control surfaces are used.  As a conventional fighter, the Harrier's performance is comparable to contemporary subsonic fighters and is able to exceed Mach 1.3 in a dive.

The Kit:  The venerable Revell 1:32 (1982) release of the BAe (Hawker) Harrier (GR-1, GR-1A and GR-3 early. Depending on the power plant). Built out of box (with recess panel lines) and hand brush painted with Model Master Enamels. Marking are for No.3 Squadron.

Thanks for viewing and "Happy Modeling".

Plastic John

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Photos and text © by John Smalbrugge