AV-8A/C of the USMC were the best Harriers.
I wouldn't know, saw very few of them growing up in the UK. Only the BAe one's. The odd one came through Lakenheath or for the Mildenhall Air Fete, but that's a while back.
It's just personal like, not based on any kind of capabilities comparisons or anything. The small compact A-model Harriers just looked like sports cars.
I agree, the original ones looked better than the overweight bloated ones.
Yes. The new ones....B model for USMC, GR9 for UK; all look bloated. Much looking at an F-16A block 5 clean, next to an F-16E/F Block 60 with all it's attachments, conformal fuel tanks, etc.
The early, day attack Harriers like the A/C just looked nimble. But were apparently the ones that could bite a pilot in the butt quickly if he wasn't on his game.
Is the camera angle doing funny things or does that flight deck have a ramp off the end of it? Ever take that Harrier off any sweet jumps?
The Royal Navy carriers had a ski jump on the end to assist the Sea Harriers get airborne. It was kind of cool seeing them practice at home base.
Is the camera angle doing funny things or does that flight deck have a ramp off the end of it? Ever take that Harrier off any sweet jumps?
We don't need no stinkin ski jumps!
![]()