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US buying the entire fleet of British Harriers
November 14, 2011
1:06 am
1:06 am
RampBoss
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I thought this was interesting. Sounds like a smart move.
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November 14, 2011
10:04 am
10:04 am
Chuck Slusarczyk Jr.
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Very interesting. I had no idea that the Brits had decommissioned the planes AND the jump ships. I hope that the conversion costs are as reasonable as the article makes them sound. It find it interesting that the Harriers have so few "miles" on them considering their age. Sounds like a good move to me, too.
November 14, 2011
2:08 pm
2:08 pm
michi
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Interesting. I would have thought that the F-18D is a more modern airplane than the old British Harriers, but I guess the Marines can make good use of them...
November 14, 2011
8:19 pm
8:19 pm
beagle1966
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Although they originate from the 1960's, making them vintage in aviation terms, the Harriers had the unique quality of being able to VIFF.
This was put to use with devastating effect during the Falklands conflict, when Argentinian Mirages, chasing a Harrier would suddenly find themselves the pursued aircraft.
At the time I recall newsreel showing how a Harrier shot down a Mirage after being chased by the faster French built aircraft. I have tried unsuccessfully to find footage of this on the net. It was a spectacular piece of film.
Significantly no Harriers were lost in combat during that campaign but several Mirages met their end after being "Viffed".
I was very surprised when I heard that the fleet was being retired, but I suppose every aircraft has its day.
November 15, 2011
12:59 am
12:59 am
masseybrown
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Chuck Slusarczyk Jr. said:
Very interesting. I had no idea that the Brits had decommissioned the planes AND the jump ships.
Yep, gone. The Brits have ordered two new carriers, the first supposed to be ready in maybe 2016. We'll see. I bet they never build the second one. They claim they want a "blue water" navy; but most European countries have decided they can't afford navies any more.
November 15, 2011
7:46 pm
7:46 pm
707guy
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They have also switched their F-35 buy from the STOVL "B" model to the Navy "C" model.
It is a huge shame what the British have done to their military in recent years...
November 15, 2011
9:07 pm
9:07 pm
beagle1966
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707guy said : It is a huge shame what the British have done to their military in recent years…
If the Argentines decided to have another go at taking the Falklands, Britain no longer has the capability to respond and it is alleged that earlier this year there was not a single active warship in the UK's Territorial waters for a period of one month! Scandalous! 
Since EU membership allows just about anyone from Ireland to Turkey to enter the UK legally, there is nothing to defend against, since the country is now being invaded by stealth!
November 16, 2011
12:06 pm
12:06 pm
masseybrown
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707guy said:
It is a huge shame what the British have done to their military in recent years...
"Bands and generals" is what one of our NATO guys called the British Army.
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