BAE's Harrier GR.9 Upgrade Takes-off
By John Fricker/Overhaul & Maintenance
October 30, 2003
The RAF's upgraded BAE Systems Harrier GR.9 prototype development
aircraft (ZD320), a follow-on to GR.7/7A ground-attack fighter,
made its initial flight from Warton in Lancashire, on May 30. Flown
by BAE Systems test pilot John Lawson, ZD320 took off
conventionally, for a successful 70-minute sortie, which included a
short hover. The flight represented a significant milestone in a
program that provides Harrier combat enhancements, with advanced
mission system avionics, and smart weapons capabilities.
These are achieved by integration of High Order Language (ADA)
software for the new open systems mission computer; a Mil-Std-1760
stores-management system; Northrop Grumman INS/GPS; ground
proximity warning system (GPWS); upgraded display software and
hardware; and secure communications links. In the summer, the GR.9
began a comprehensive test program to further develop the new
systems and fully realize the potential of the new weapons and
sensors in support of deep-strike operations well into the next
decade.
A £150 million pound ($243.76 million) continuation contract was
signed in January this year with BAE Systems Solutions &
Support. The full £500 million-plus Harrier GR.9 upgrade program
will provide U.K. Joint Force operations with uprated digital
systems and clearance for digital weapons, broadening RAF strike
capabilities over a wider variety of targets, from longer ranges.
This upgrade will introduce a base-line aircraft system capability
to integrate and deliver smart weapons, such as MBDA's Brimstone,
new 500-lb. Raytheon Paveway IV precision guided bombs, AGM-65D/G
Maverick ASMs, and AIM-9L/BOL Sidewinder or MBDA ASRAAM AAMs.
The new equipment is being introduced in a phased series of
capability releases (Cap A, B, C, etc.) to the customer in three
production batches over the next five years. Cap A release is
planned by BAE Systems in November 2004, for a February 2005
in-service date, while Cap B will add Brimstone and TIALD 500
targeting pod integration through the smart Mil-Std-1760 stores
management system from December 2005. Cap C1 will facilitate Phase
III dynamic weapon aiming, for Enhanced Paveway III and similar
missiles from September 2006. Cap C2/D will integrate AGM-65G2
Maverick IR/TV versions; such precision-guided bombs as Paveway IV;
and Raytheon's Mk 12 Successor IFF (SIFF) in 2006 to 2007.
Some GR.9s in the new program also will incorporate the uprated
Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 107 engine, 30 of which are being installed
in GR.7s in place of Mk 105s, to become GR.7As. These require
replacement rear-fuselages to accommodate the new powerplants,
which allow an increase in maximum take-off weight to 34,000 lbs.,
to improve the Harrier's hot-and-high performance envelope and
extend carrier-based operations. Upgraded from GR.7/7As, the
GR.9/9As will enhance the Harrier's existing capability for
air-to-ground attack and reconnaissance. Navigation, data
processing, thermal imaging, electronic warfare and communications
capabilities are further improved in support of the smart weapon
delivery system.
Joint Force Harrier will become an all-GR-equipped unit between
2004 and 2007, when its current Sea Harrier FA.2 air defense
fighters are retired. Its planned four squadrons, instead of the
current three each RAF and RN units, also will include 13 similarly
upgraded T.10 two-seat combat trainers with GR.9 mission systems
avionics, as Pegasus Mk 105-powered T.12s. Its 70 Harrier GR.9/9As
will continue operating until being replaced from 2012 to 2015 by
the U.K.'s new Future Joint Combat Aircraft (FJCA), for which up to
150 Lockheed Martin F-35B STOVL JSFs have been provisionally
selected.
In association with Harrier fleet rationalization, BAE Systems is
working with the MoD's Defense Logistic Organization (DLO) across a
wide range of programs to streamline support infrastructures and
processes, and to reduce costs by at least 20%, while improving
availability and responsiveness. A joint BAE/MoD Harrier Future
Integrated Support Team (FIST) is leading this process by seeking
to optimize the total support chain through a fully-integrated and
partnered approach. At the same time, this is planned to provide a
proving ground for the type of support infrastructure envisaged for
the JSF.
FIST will include representatives from all major agencies involved,
including the Harrier Integrated Project Team (IPT); RAF Strike
Command; BAE Systems CSS; and Rolls-Royce. Among key features of
the FIST concept are single-site location for all major processes;
rationalization of the supply change; a single joint technical
authority; and adoption of lean techniques throughout the total
support chain. The FIST team is co-located at RAF Wyton, with
satellites at both RAF Cottesmore and Wittering Harrier
bases.
This article appeared in Overhaul & Maintenance's October 2003
issue.
