Difference between revisions of "Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e)"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
In the late 1970s, the Royal Navy sought a seafaring version of the famous Harrier jump jet. As a result, Hawker-Siddley developed the '''Sea Harrier FRS.1''' as a specialised version of the Harrier designed for naval operations. It entered service with the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom in 1978 and gained fame for its role in the Falklands War in 1982, where it defended the fleet from enemy aircraft attacks with great success. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Sea Harriers shot down 21 Argentinean planes without losing any of their own, a remarkable accomplishment that demonstrated the superiority of the aircraft and the all-aspect "Lima" sidewinder that they were equipped with.
+
The '''British Aerospace Sea Harrier''' was a VTOL fighter-bomber based on the successful [[Harrier GR.3]]. It entered service with the Royal Navy in April 1980 as the Sea Harrier FRS.1. This aircraft was equipped with a single Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine, as well as a Ferranti Blue Fox radar. The early service variant of the FRS.1 included a bubble canopy that would characterize later variants of the Sea Harrier, it also featured AIM-9L AAMs for self defence, later variants of the Sea Harrier introduced modifications to the pylons, to be able to carry more AIM-9L sidewinders, as well as Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles after the Falklands War.
  
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]], is a "early" version of the [[Sea Harrier FRS.1|same plane]] found as a [[Squadron vehicles|Squadron Vehicle]] in the same tech tree. The biggest difference between this "Early" version and the normal one, is the lack of dual-mount Sidewinder pylons, which means that this Early variant can only take a max of 2x [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L Sidewinders]], compared to the 4x on the Squadron version. As a result of this downgrade in air-to-air armament, the Early variant Sea Harrier is also at a lower Battle Rating than the normal Squadron vehicle version. The Sea Harrier plays the fighter eloquently with its powerful all-aspect sidewinders and strong sensor set (decent radar and omnidirectional RWR with threat identification) at a battle rating where not much planes have such toys. In downtiers, the AIM-9Ls criminally easy kills against older aircraft without countermeasures. And even in uptiers, if the pilot of the Harrier can master manouvers involving VIFFing (Vector In Forward Flight) to utilize their VTOL airframe to its max potential, the Sea Harrier FRS.1 can prove to be a very lethal aircraft.
+
It was introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]]. The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is not very different from many other Harriers in-game in terms of gameplay. It has very good acceleration, meaning that it is one of the first to take off from the runway, while also having access to a decent radar and 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinders. Like all Harriers, it features VTOL. It lacks any sort of guided ordnance for ground battles, but its 5 x 1,000 lb bombs are enough to destroy a base in air battles, or a couple of ground targets if used properly, though for this task more specialized attackers like the [[Jaguar GR.1A|Jaguar]] are more recommended.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 22: Line 22:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
The Sea Harrier has a very similar performance to other Harriers in-game. It has an excellent low speed acceleration, and good agility at high speeds, at the cost of energy retention, which is very poor. This aircraft is also capable of vertical landings and take-off without heavy payloads.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 0 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
Line 35: Line 35:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 1,150 || 1,144 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.5 || 34.0 || 70.2 || 68.5 || rowspan="2" | 550
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 1,168 || 1,159 || 31.5 || 32.0 || 105.2 || 87.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 49: Line 49:
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || || || || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 64: Line 64:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 829 || 556 || ~14 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || -
+
| < 650 || < 950 || < 790 || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
+
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.104 || 1
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 6,258 kg || colspan="2" | 462 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
Line 94: Line 94:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
+
! 9 m fuel || 20 m fuel || 30 m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
+
| 1650 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
+
| 6,959 kg || 7,661 kg || 8,363 kg || 11,409 kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
 
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
+
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
 
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || 9,150 kgf || 9,709 kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.40 || 1.27 || 1.16 || 0.85
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 9,150 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 9,709 kgf<br>(0 km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.40 || 1.27 || 1.16 || 0.85
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
The Sea Harrier lacks any sort of armour, and it has a mediocre survivability, since the engine is pretty large and vulnerable because it is located at the centre of the aircraft. However it does feature 60 x countermeasures for defence against radar and IR guided missiles.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 185: Line 185:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
'''Fighter Role:'''
 +
 
 +
The Sea Harrier sits at a BR where supersonic fighters start to become very common, however the Sea Harrier does have access to a set of powerful missiles. The early AIM-9G Sidewinders are good but they lack all-aspect seekers, the AIM-9L fixes this issue, while also having much better manoeuvrability. When playing as a fighter, it can be a good idea to climb to high altitudes in downtiers, then launch your IR missiles at enemies within range, since both the AIM-9G and AIM-9L have good range for a small IR missile, they can be launched at enemies within 3-4 km, even more if the enemies are at a low energy state. In uptiers, fighting close to the ground is more recommended, since SARH missiles start to become deadlier and more common, however the idea stays the same, launching missiles at enemies without flares or at a low energy state from distance. The Harrier has good performance at high speeds but becomes more sluggish below 800 km/h, so it is highly recommended staying at those speeds.
 +
 
 +
'''Bomber/Strike Aircraft Role:'''
 +
 
 +
As a strike aircraft, the Sea Harrier can be used with some success, in downtiers or slight uptiers, it can be used to destroy a single base when carrying a custom loadout of 5 x 1,000 lb bombs, you can also carry 2 x AIM-9Ls alongside your bombs. When doing this, flying close to the team is very recommended, since the Harrier's already lacklustre flight performance is hampered by the addition of heavy payload, the Sea Harrier also loses the ability to take off vertically with a heavy loadout. The good low speed acceleration means that even with the bombs attached, it will be one of the first to take off from the runway, however the rest of the team will quickly catch up. Doing bomb runs in uptiers is not recommended, since much faster strike aircraft will outrun you and destroy most valuable bases and ground targets before you do. For ground battles, the Sea Harrier lacks access to guided ordnance or rockets with a HEAT warhead, the RP rockets use a HE warhead that is extremely underpowered even against lightly armoured targets.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
*
+
* Very good low speed acceleration
 +
* Access to vertical landing/take-off
 +
* Good agility at high speeds
 +
* Access to 2 x AIM-9L all aspect missiles
 +
* Access to a radar, unlike most Harriers
 +
* Modern RWR with ability to detect track, launch and TWS modes
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
*
+
* Can't use VTOL mode with heavy payload
 +
* Lacks any sort of guided ordnance against ground targets
 +
* Poor agility below 800 km/h
 +
* Limited WEP
 +
* Relatively underpowered radar when compared to more advanced fighters around its BR
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 205: Line 219:
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=harrier_frs1_early Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 14:04, 28 January 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the British strike aircraft Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e). For the squadron version, see Sea Harrier FRS.1. For other versions, see Harrier (Family).
Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e)
harrier_frs1_early.png
GarageImage Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e).jpg
Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e)
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The British Aerospace Sea Harrier was a VTOL fighter-bomber based on the successful Harrier GR.3. It entered service with the Royal Navy in April 1980 as the Sea Harrier FRS.1. This aircraft was equipped with a single Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine, as well as a Ferranti Blue Fox radar. The early service variant of the FRS.1 included a bubble canopy that would characterize later variants of the Sea Harrier, it also featured AIM-9L AAMs for self defence, later variants of the Sea Harrier introduced modifications to the pylons, to be able to carry more AIM-9L sidewinders, as well as Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles after the Falklands War.

It was introduced in Update "Sons of Attila". The Sea Harrier FRS.1 Early is not very different from many other Harriers in-game in terms of gameplay. It has very good acceleration, meaning that it is one of the first to take off from the runway, while also having access to a decent radar and 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinders. Like all Harriers, it features VTOL. It lacks any sort of guided ordnance for ground battles, but its 5 x 1,000 lb bombs are enough to destroy a base in air battles, or a couple of ground targets if used properly, though for this task more specialized attackers like the Jaguar are more recommended.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 0 m1 159 km/h
Turn time32 s
Max altitude12 192 m
EngineRolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.104
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight13 t

The Sea Harrier has a very similar performance to other Harriers in-game. It has an excellent low speed acceleration, and good agility at high speeds, at the cost of energy retention, which is very poor. This aircraft is also capable of vertical landings and take-off without heavy payloads.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 0 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,150 1,144 12192 32.5 34.0 70.2 68.5 550
Upgraded 1,168 1,159 31.5 32.0 105.2 87.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1191 648 - 829 556 ~14 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 650 < 950 < 790 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.104 1 6,258 kg 462 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 9 m fuel 20 m fuel 30 m fuel
1650 kg Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan 6,959 kg 7,661 kg 8,363 kg 11,409 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
Condition 100% WEP _m fuel __m fuel __m fuel MGW
Stationary 9,150 kgf 9,709 kgf 1.40 1.27 1.16 0.85
Optimal 9,150 kgf
(0 km/h)
9,709 kgf
(0 km/h)
1.40 1.27 1.16 0.85

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural1 191 km/h
Gear648 km/h

The Sea Harrier lacks any sort of armour, and it has a mediocre survivability, since the engine is pretty large and vulnerable because it is located at the centre of the aircraft. However it does feature 60 x countermeasures for defence against radar and IR guided missiles.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 072 → 4 500 Sl icon.png
RB8 476 → 12 417 Sl icon.png
SB9 723 → 14 244 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications227 000 Rp icon.png
353 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
39 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
39 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
aden_belt_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
1000 LB
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
aden_new_gun
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9L
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
Matra №7 Mk 1
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
39 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)

The Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e) is armed with:

  • 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)
  • 60 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5
Hardpoints Harrier GR.3.png
1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs 1, 2 1 1, 2
1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs 1, 2 1 1, 2
RP rockets 36 36
AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles 1 1
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 1 1
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 72 x RP rockets
  • 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (4,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

Fighter Role:

The Sea Harrier sits at a BR where supersonic fighters start to become very common, however the Sea Harrier does have access to a set of powerful missiles. The early AIM-9G Sidewinders are good but they lack all-aspect seekers, the AIM-9L fixes this issue, while also having much better manoeuvrability. When playing as a fighter, it can be a good idea to climb to high altitudes in downtiers, then launch your IR missiles at enemies within range, since both the AIM-9G and AIM-9L have good range for a small IR missile, they can be launched at enemies within 3-4 km, even more if the enemies are at a low energy state. In uptiers, fighting close to the ground is more recommended, since SARH missiles start to become deadlier and more common, however the idea stays the same, launching missiles at enemies without flares or at a low energy state from distance. The Harrier has good performance at high speeds but becomes more sluggish below 800 km/h, so it is highly recommended staying at those speeds.

Bomber/Strike Aircraft Role:

As a strike aircraft, the Sea Harrier can be used with some success, in downtiers or slight uptiers, it can be used to destroy a single base when carrying a custom loadout of 5 x 1,000 lb bombs, you can also carry 2 x AIM-9Ls alongside your bombs. When doing this, flying close to the team is very recommended, since the Harrier's already lacklustre flight performance is hampered by the addition of heavy payload, the Sea Harrier also loses the ability to take off vertically with a heavy loadout. The good low speed acceleration means that even with the bombs attached, it will be one of the first to take off from the runway, however the rest of the team will quickly catch up. Doing bomb runs in uptiers is not recommended, since much faster strike aircraft will outrun you and destroy most valuable bases and ground targets before you do. For ground battles, the Sea Harrier lacks access to guided ordnance or rockets with a HEAT warhead, the RP rockets use a HE warhead that is extremely underpowered even against lightly armoured targets.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very good low speed acceleration
  • Access to vertical landing/take-off
  • Good agility at high speeds
  • Access to 2 x AIM-9L all aspect missiles
  • Access to a radar, unlike most Harriers
  • Modern RWR with ability to detect track, launch and TWS modes

Cons:

  • Can't use VTOL mode with heavy payload
  • Lacks any sort of guided ordnance against ground targets
  • Poor agility below 800 km/h
  • Limited WEP
  • Relatively underpowered radar when compared to more advanced fighters around its BR

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


British Aerospace plc
Strike Aircraft  Harrier GR.7 · Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e) · Sea Harrier FRS.1 · Sea Harrier FA 2
See also  British Aircraft Corporation · Hawker Aircraft Limited

Britain jet aircraft
Blackburn  Buccaneer S.1 · Buccaneer S.2 · Buccaneer S.2B
British Aerospace  Harrier GR.7 · Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e) · Sea Harrier FRS.1 · Sea Harrier FA 2
British Aircraft Corporation  Strikemaster Mk.88
English Electric  Canberra B Mk 2 · Canberra B (I) Mk 6 · Lightning F.6 · Lightning F.53
Gloster  Meteor F Mk 3 · Sea Meteor F Mk 3 · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41F · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41G · Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper
  Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9
de Havilland  Vampire F.B.5 · Venom FB.4 · Sea Venom FAW 20 · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2
Hawker  Sea Hawk FGA.6 · Hunter F.1 · Hunter F.6 · Hunter FGA.9 · Harrier GR.1 · Harrier GR.3
Panavia  Tornado GR.1 · Tornado GR.4 · Tornado F.3 · Tornado F.3 Late
SEPECAT  Jaguar GR.1 · Jaguar GR.1A · Jaguar IS
Supermarine  Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7
Foreign  Phantom FG.1 (USA) · Phantom FGR.2 (USA) · F-4J(UK) Phantom II (USA)
Australia  F-111C
India  ▄MiG-21 Bison
South Africa  ▄JAS39C