Harrier (BAe/McDonnel Douglas)

Harriers in flight

The Harrier was developed in the 60's and 70's as a versatile attack craft. It went through several iterations before the right combination was found. Since then, the Harrier has proven its worth again and again.

Several versions exist. The original BAe Harrier has several derivatives, including the naval Sea Harrier. The Harrier has proven quite effective as a naval aircraft. Its V/Stol capability means it needs little space compared to conventional aircraft, and it still has great speed and payload capacity advantages over helicopters. The Harrier is built under license in the United States by McDonnel Douglas for the Marine Corps, who rely heavily on its versatility.

What gives the Harrier its capability is its thrust vectoring. Remarkably, there is no computer control of the nozzles. This means the Harrier has a fatally high learning curve, which has meant heavy losses over the years, but those who get through training are the best and most capable pilots in the world.

Pegasus (Rolls Royce)

The Pegasus is the exclusive power plant for the Harrier, and has gone evolved along with its plane to be one of the most unique engines in the world. It is a medium-bypass turbofan. Thrust from the fan is ducted to two forward thrust vectoring nozzles, on either side of the aircraft, and the thrust from the core is ducted to two aft nozzles. The nozzles pivot about the pitch axis, allowing for vertical takeoffs and landings, as well as extreme maneuvers in the air. The latest version has an annular combustor.

Pegasus
Engine statistics
Specification Pegasus 11-61
Application Harrier
T/O Thrust 23,800 lb
T/O SFC 0.76
Cruise Thrust
Cruise SFC
Bypass Ratio 1.2
Max pwr. pressure ratio 16:1
Length (in) 137.2 in
Dia (in) 48 in
Weight 4260 lb




















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