British Aerospace Harrier II
The British Aerospace Harrier II is a second-generation vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet aircraft used previously by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and, between 2006 and 2010, the Royal Navy (RN). The aircraft was the latest development of the Harrier family, and was derived from the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II. Initial deliveries of the Harrier II were designated in service as Harrier GR5; subsequently upgraded airframes were redesignated accordingly as GR7 and GR9.
British Aerospace Harrier II
RAF Harrier GR9 in flight, 2010
RAF Harrier II flying above RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, 2010
Harrier GR5 during a display at Bournemouth Airport, 1990
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the air and space force of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. It was formed towards the end of the First World War on 1 April 1918, becoming the first independent air force in the world, by merging the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). Following the Allied victory over the Central Powers in 1918, the RAF emerged as the largest air force in the world at the time. Since its formation, the RAF has played a significant role in British military history. In particular, during the Second World War, the RAF established air superiority over Hermann Göring's Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain, and led the Allied strategic bombing effort.
A Spitfire and Hurricane, which both played major roles in the Battle of Britain.
The Avro Lancaster heavy bomber was extensively used during the strategic bombing of Germany.
The RAF V bomber force was used to carry both conventional and nuclear bombs.
The Tornado played an integral part in RAF operations from 1991 until its retirement in 2019