Harrier GR.9s – Low Level – Wales – 25 Sep 07

You know what Tom – this is one of those times where I’d have loved you to tell me I was wrong and that 801 stood back up x no. of months ago and it was just a case that no-one had told me!.

Boll0cks!. 😀

That was baby Sharkey at the controls?. Big splash in Navy News a few months back about him finishing SHOFT and taking his dad up for a spin in a T8!. Dont know which would be tougher…completing your flying training or a single flight with Mr SHAR in the back…ouch!. 🙂

Rewind!

Steve,
ZD330 is in 801 NAS markings. I’ve got an out of focus shot of it as it sped down the pass. I’ve checked the tail and the chequers are on the fin. I’ve also just seen on a low-fly forum some other images of it caught at low-level during September. I wonder if the flash on the intake is just that of the Naval Strike Wing? Possibly it has the squadron crest in the centre?

Here is ZD330 photographed at Cottesmore on 20 Sep 07

http://www.g0rd.com/gallery2/v/Planes/Cottesmore/Cott_Gen/IMG_0123.jpg.html

http://www.g0rd.com/gallery2/v/Planes/Cottesmore/Cott_Gen/IMG_0124.jpg.html

801 NAS recomissioned.

http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.2291

‘801 NAS will be recommissioned in March 2007, under the command of Cdr K Seymour RN, to operate the Harrier GR7 and GR9 from RAF Cottesmore. 801 NAS will be joining the recently commissioned 800 NAS as well as 1 and IV(AC) Sqns RAF to complete the formation of Joint Force Harrier (JFH).’

http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcottesmore/aboutus/801navalairsquadron.cfm

http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.2293

Hi Steve,

I’ve just blown up the shot of ZD330. It looks like my mis-ident. It would appear that it is 800 NAS markings. Well spotted!

On a side note ZD409 was being flown by ‘Sharkey’ Wards son, Kris. ZD330 was being flown by Cottesmore’s Station Commander.

You know what Tom – this is one of those times where I’d have loved you to tell me I was wrong and that 801 stood back up x no. of months ago and it was just a case that no-one had told me!.

Boll0cks!. 😀

That was baby Sharkey at the controls?. Big splash in Navy News a few months back about him finishing SHOFT and taking his dad up for a spin in a T8!. Dont know which would be tougher…completing your flying training or a single flight with Mr SHAR in the back…ouch!. 🙂

Thanks James!

I think it can be quite difficult at times. Currently the updated serials on here are good reference

http://www.harrierlist.co.uk/

http://www.harrierlist.co.uk/List.html

If you can see an A after the code it can be either a GR.7A or GR.9A. Some of them have GR.9 on the tail. I think that there are also variations on the leading edge route extensions to further confuse matters. I think it is mainly internal with different engines and avionics. If I ever try and ident one I always refer to the Harrier List.

Thanks for that info Tom I use that site aswel now then:D Is that all the Harriers left flying in the RAF and RN on that List?

James

Awesome shots!

TEEJ

the other GR.9 was ZD330 with 801 NAS markings

801 NAS hasnt stood back up yet has it?. Mate of mine at Cottesmore hasnt said anything about 801 going operational and they are meant to be being based there when the FAA can get enough pilots scrounged up to reform the squadron?.

Hi Steve,

I’ve just blown up the shot of ZD330. It looks like my mis-ident. It would appear that it is 800 NAS markings. Well spotted!

On a side note ZD409 was being flown by ‘Sharkey’ Wards son, Kris. ZD330 was being flown by Cottesmore’s Station Commander.

TEEJ

the other GR.9 was ZD330 with 801 NAS markings

801 NAS hasnt stood back up yet has it?. Mate of mine at Cottesmore hasnt said anything about 801 going operational and they are meant to be being based there when the FAA can get enough pilots scrounged up to reform the squadron?.

Wow, almost close enough to hear the pilots grunt as they pull G’s! Never had the opportunity to shoot down at aircraft like that……Wow. Must have been a bit loud as they passed!

Not too loud. I’ve always got my Ipod on to while away the hours. I get the benefit of the engine noise and a good music track to accompany the flyby!

Wow, almost close enough to hear the pilots grunt as they pull G’s! Never had the opportunity to shoot down at aircraft like that……Wow. Must have been a bit loud as they passed!

Fantastic shots there . How do you tell the Differance from a GR7 to a GR9?

James

Thanks James!

I think it can be quite difficult at times. Currently the updated serials on here are good reference

http://www.harrierlist.co.uk/

http://www.harrierlist.co.uk/List.html

If you can see an A after the code it can be either a GR.7A or GR.9A. Some of them have GR.9 on the tail. I think that there are also variations on the leading edge route extensions to further confuse matters. I think it is mainly internal with different engines and avionics. If I ever try and ident one I always refer to the Harrier List.

Fantastic shots there . How do you tell the Differance from a GR7 to a GR9?

James