Tamiya 61026 - 1/48 Hawker Sea Harrier FRS.1  [61026]

The FRS.1 is effortlessly distinguished through the land based counterparts by a modified nose area including an ever-increasing pilots chair and Ferranti Blue Fox radar, plus major armament of water Eagle anti-ship missiles and AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Martel or Harpoon ASMs might be carried as options to water Eagle before second become practical. first FRS.1 to go to wound up being in fact first production water Harrier, on 20 August 1978, meaning prototype model in the future in December 1978. Home from water Harriers happen designated Yeovilton Navy Base, they received very first aircraft in June 1979, by which intensive journey studies started with '100/VL' squadron four times afterwards.

This IFTU product was designated 700A squadron in September 1979 and was indeed re-designated 899 Squadron in March 1980. Three "Through - Deck" cruisers have already been purchased for water Harrier operations: Invincible; Illustrious and Ark Royal, initial which wound up being commissioned in July 1980. All three vessels are fitted with a "Ski-jump" to assist take-off with complete load, which installation had been certainly additionally put in the commando provider HMS Hermes about completed up being allotted a Sea Harrier squadron. A small export purchase for water Harriers had been certainly placed by Asia in November 1979 for six FRS.51's and two T.60 trainers.

The ocean Harrier, alongside the GR3 Harriers through RAF, was in fact put to actual combat tests through the entire current Falkland Isles crisis. The uk Southern Atlantic force ended up being manufactured by incorporating GR3 and FRS.1 Harriers bringing the total jump jet power to around 40 aircraft companies Hermes and Invincible. The Ocean Harrier (FRS.1) has about 30percent more re-action control for easier landings, and better 'over the nose' exposure; even so the GR3's from RAF worked well within the general operations through conflict and both aircraft distinguished independently toward utmost. The Royal Navy Harriers, through conflict, have already been painted towards new "toned down" finish of matte ocean blue fundamental, whilst the RAF aircraft is at reality into the additional dark ocean grey scheme. With a cruise rate of mach .9 and a premier price of 1.25, and landing rate of 0, which truly a versatile combat aircraft then one which will be oftimes be in tools inventories for a long period later on.