Chiefs Airfix 1/72 Harrier Gr9 Afghanistan

[chief5437]

Hi fellas! All done with this one.

First up, some light reading for those struggling to sleep!

The Harrier GR9 was the last of the Harrier 'Jump Jets' originating from the 1960s. Capable of taking off and landing vertically, the Harrier was not tied to airfields with long concrete runways but, if necessary could be dispersed to sites in the field close to the forward edge of the battle area.

The RAF Harrier fleet was retired in March 2011

The RAF standardised on the Harrier GR9/9A in a move announced by the MoD in 2002.

The MoD explained that the optimum development of the JFH was to support only one Harrier type to its end of service life, the 'more capable GR 9'.

The JFH received its first upgraded Harrier GR9 from BAE Systems' Warton facility in November 2005. Under the terms of a £500 programme the avionics of some 60 x Harrier GR 7/7A were upgraded to GR9 standard and 11 x Harrier T10 will be upgraded to T12 standard.

The GR9 programme which incorporated a major upgrade to the aircraft's avionics and weapons systems enabled the aircraft to carry a variety of current and future weapons. These included Maverick air-surface missiles, Brimstone anti-armour missiles and AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for self-defence. A new, stronger composite rear fuselage was also fitted. These aircraft became Harrier GR9s, whilst those with the uprated engines and weapons systems became Harrier GR9As. The programme also included an upgrade of the two-seater T10 aircraft to the equivalent GR9 standard known as the Harrier T12.

All three RAF Harrier squadrons were deployed for the 2003 Iraq War in Operation Telic. And Harriers have been deployed in Afghanistan in support of ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) since September 2004. Aircraft operated from Kandahar airfield.


HARRIER GR7/7A GR9 GR9A T10/T12 Specifications

Crew (GR7, GR7A, GR9, GR9A) 1
Crew (T10, T12) 2
Length (GR7, GR7A,GR9) 14.1m
Length (T10, T12) 17m
Wingspan (normal) 9.2m
Height (GR7) 3.45m
Height (T10) 4.17m
All Up Operational Weight Approx 13,494kg
Max Weapon Load 10,000lb/4,500kg
Ferry Range (with 4 x drop tanks) 5,382km (3,310miles)
Max Speed (at sea level) 1,065kph (661mph)
Engine (GR7, GR9, T10, T12) 1 x Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 105
Engine (GR7A, GR9A) 1 x Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 107
Armament on seven available wing stations 2 x 30mm Aden guns
4 x wing weapon pylons
1 x under-fuselage weapon pylon
Conventional or cluster bombs
2 x Sidewinder AIM-9L AAM
ASRAAM
Up to 16 x Mk 82 or six Mk 83 bombs
4 x Maverick air-to-ground anti-armour missiles
Paveway II and III laser-guided bombs
Brimstone anti-armour missiles
CRV-7 rocket pods
2 x Storm Shadow CASOM

Couple of pics of in theatre harriers. From tinterweb, credit to copyright owners!





The kit was very nice, much more enjoyable than my recent 1/72 builds! A little filler required at the wing join, but that could be avoided with a decent clamp (which I've since invested in!). Only real grumble is the use of decals for the MDC on the canopy. On the 1/72 hawk I built ages ago, the MDC was a channel moulded into the inside of the cockpit, perfect for running a wash into, and looked great. That's progress for ya, lol!

Anyway, here's the pics.

















Just seen that the pva I used on the nose isn't quite dry in these pics, I promise that it's crystal clear now though, lol!

As ever, thanks for looking in guys, cheers

[Willem]

Was going to put a comment on the build thread but you went and finished before I got chance!

Lovely build, Chief and glad you got your 1/72 mojo going.

[Dunhill2005]

WOW!!!
I have not even started properly and you're already finished...that's fast.
This little machine looks great

Well done Mate

[Nige201980]

Smashing build mate love the weathering on her.

[Joesdad]

Brilliant! Chiefy what a great looking aeroplane, weathering spot on

[Gav0909]

I think you got the dirt spot on mate! Those Harriers got rather grubby and you have captured that really well. Excellent kit mate!

[Jack]

Excellent work mate, weathering looks amazing

[Coen]

Only crazy people don't like harriers.
She's gorgeous Chief!!!!

[Thijs]

Looks very nice indeed!

[gaz45]

Nice work mate looks stunning and such a quick build

[Nev]

Lovely job mate

[ladip63]

Gee!! I haven't even started mine yet!! Looks great Chief..
Don't know if I will, to much going on. Maybe in the airplane section so I can take my time.

[wookiee76]

Sweet job dude, really must get myself a decent harrier kit.

[timtamtung]

She's a beaut! i want one

[NAMBiohazard]

That is a beautiful build..
well done.....

[MarkVerploeg]

Ooh here it is
I just found the build thread and here is the final reveal already
Nice work Chief
A very nice looking little Harrier

[ManCupboardModels]

Heeby Jeezuz!! Finished already!! Lol! I ain't even started yet! Amazing work Chief, spot on!!

[patrickroos]

That's a very impressive 1/72 build Chief!
Looks awesome!

[Pacheco]

Stunning wheathering effects.

[martin57]

amazing work in that scale hats of to you .

[Nach70]

Brilliant work.Excelent.

[Jan01]

Nicely done there Chief.

[TheTroyster]

This is a very nice project - good job!

[Avgas]

Lovely build, weathering spot on.

[TommyKillander]

Great stuff mate!

Outstanding weathering, looks like the real deal


Tommy

[Pacheco]

Stunning result. Looks like 1:32 scale.
Congratulations.

[rwsmith14]

the weathering is awesome !!! well done !!!