Harrier GR.9A

Let’s discuss current and future capabilities of the RAF’s Harrier GR.9A. Comparisons to the AV-8B (Plus), A-10A, Su-25, and other good ground attack jets are welcome.

Personally I feel the GR.9 is where the Harrier has been heading for from the beginning. Every successive variant seems to get better and better and the GR.9 is what I consider an excellent aircraft.

Currently the aircraft has a great self defense suite plus the AIM-9 or AIM-132 for anyone who wants to get a little too close.

I’m interested in future projected weapons for the GR.9 though.

How many Brimstone missiles will this thing carry. Can they mount the triple launcher on all six underwing hardpoints?

(Yes I know it has eight but I’m not counting the two hardpoints used for AAM’s.)

What about the various bomb types? From what I can gather the can haul the U.K. 1,100-lb. general purpose types plus American Mk-82/83/84 types as well as the Mk-20 Rockeye and BL.755 CBU’s.

The BLU-107 Durandal is also included I believe.

The GR.9 can also employ the SNEB rocket pod as well as the U.S. HYDRA and Zuni types I believe.

Paveway LGB’s can be carried as well, but I’m not sure about other types.

At this point I’m mostly curious about the Storm Shadow, Brimstone, and possibly JDAM and/or JSOW?

Can anyone help me with all this?

What does the RAF and its crews think about the Harrier GR.9 (as opposed to the GR.5 & GR.7 and in general)?