"Harrier jump jets flown by the RAF and Royal Navy have taken part in their last operational flights.
The aircraft is regarded as one of Britain's greatest military innovations, but the jets are being retired early as part of Ministry of Defence spending cuts.
A 16-strong fleet took off from RAF Cottesmore in Rutland on today's farewell journey to several other air-force bases before returning home."
I have had the great pleasure of photographing some of these aircraft. They'll be missed.
That it performed as well as it did, for as long as it did, is a testament to the pilots who flew it and especially the mechanics who had to service it. A bloody nightmare. Good luck to them on the new F-35B Lightning II. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8rasV-_G4w
Sopwith/Hawker always made innovations or ideas work.
An earlier naval fighter with the first variable pitch tailplane.
It made the triplane literally a 'hands off' plane that could be trimmed to perfect balance and was a precursor to the system allowing supersonic flight.
I guess all good things have to come to an end someday. I feel the same way about the F14 Tomcat.
When I was in the Navy, I can still vividly recall the F4 Phantom making bombing runs dropping napalm. When they say the Navy pilots (Jarheads too! ) are the best that is the absolute truth! Hoorah!
We used them when I was in the Marine Corps (Hmmmmmmm don't ask when). Outstanding air support. Hate to see them go. I also liked the A10's. Sounds like a bear growling when they shoot. Scared the hell out me the first time I heard them shoot.
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(Racso) Oscar...
for the great pics you take and post here
) are the best that is the absolute truth! Hoorah! 