Maiden flight of new fighter jet

[mfg495]

The successful first flight of a supersonic fighter jet, the next generation of Navy and RAF jump-jets, took place yesterday, 11 June 2008, at Lockheed Martin's Texas plant.
The F35B, a stealth fighter-bomber, made a conventional take-off and landing, and climbed to 15,000 feet (4,572 metres) for a series of handling, engine and other systems checks. It landed successfully after 46 minutes in the air.

The supersonic stealth fighter-bombers will form the next generation of Navy and RAF jump-jets and the F35B is one of three variants of the US Department of Defense Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project. The MOD is a partner in the JSF programme and is investing £1.8 billion developing the aircraft.

The F35B was flown by a British pilot, BAE Systems employee and former RAF Harrier pilot, Graham Tomlinson.

The Joint Strike Fighter is the aircraft of choice to fulfil the MOD's Joint Combat Aircraft requirement and fly off the two new Royal Navy aircraft carriers.

[No.1]

So Harrier counting down its days in RAF...

[mfg495]

So Harrier counting down its days in RAF...

In early 2008, the Harrier fleet is undergoing a mid-life upgrade that will see the GR.7s modified as GR.7As, GR.9s or GR.9As, while the two seat T.10s become T.12s.
The GR.7A has a Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.107 power plant in place of the GR.7’s Mk.105, adding 3,000lb (13.4kN) of thrust. A total of 40 such modifications will be made. in addition, around 70 GR.7s, GR.7As and T.10s will benefit from an avionics and weapons upgrade to become GR.9s and T.12s, the new baseline standard for the Harrier fleet. GR.7As which have gone through both the avionics and engine upgrades are known as GR.9As.

The In early 2008, the Harrier fleet is undergoing a mid-life upgrade that will see the GR.7s modified as GR.7As, GR.9s or GR.9As, while the two seat t.10s become T.12s. the GR.7A has a Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.107 power plant in place of the GR.7’s Mk.105, adding 3,000lb (13.4kN) of thrust. A total of 40 such modifications will be made. in addition, around 70 GR.7s, GR.7As and T.10s will benefit from an avionics and weapons upgrade to become GR.9s and T.12s, the new baseline standard for the Harrier fleet. GR.7As which have gone through both the avionics and engine upgrades are known as GR.9As.

The Joint Force Harrier (JFH) is also responsible for providing aircraft for the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers. Along with the Herrick commitment, this means that JFH is amongst the RAF’s most frequently deployed assets. Although a second naval squadron, 801 NAS, stood up on 1 October 2006, it will not become separate and operational until at least 2010. Training for RAF and Fleet Air Arm pilots is undertaken by 20(R) squadron at RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire.

Source - RAF Website

I think that the Harrier will be around for a number of years yet