Harrier Stuff!

Ah bang goes that idea then…

Peter -Mothballing anything involves a cost of staff and anti deterioration work to keep them airworthy .Couple that with hangars to keep them in and you have significant cost -something the Mod will not stomach

Instead of disposal would it not be a better idea to mothball the harrier fleet?

For some reason the FAA Harrier pilots seem to publish their experiences and memoirs more than their RAF counterparts, but the RAF use of the aircraft is as impressive, especially the delivery and use in the Falklands of the GR.3s.

Hunter, I would of course be very interested to know more about the incident – and the photo… do tell!

Bump/Page I don’t think there’s much chance of this new book being a proverbial “Bible” but I will strive to make it as interesting as possible. Unfortunately, much depends on commercial considerations and the aim is for a product which has a broad appeal. Inevitably, a “Bible” is a much bigger, expensive and less-imaginative product which therefore has far less appeal. Obviously it’s the sort of book that you and I would love, but commercially it’s a but of a non-starter. I guess something like this might appear one day but if it does it will inevitably come from one of the small specialist publishers that can afford to produce a short run of expensive books. Still, having said that, I will try and make my new book as informative and interesting as I can. You can never keep everybody happy though!

One of the essential ingredients for me is a liberal sprinkling of tales of derring-do from current and former pilots!
Judging by Jamie Hunter’s book on the SHAR, the best port of call for such tales is the Fleet Air Arm.

Hunter, I would of course be very interested to know more about the incident – and the photo… do tell!

Bump/Page I don’t think there’s much chance of this new book being a proverbial “Bible” but I will strive to make it as interesting as possible. Unfortunately, much depends on commercial considerations and the aim is for a product which has a broad appeal. Inevitably, a “Bible” is a much bigger, expensive and less-imaginative product which therefore has far less appeal. Obviously it’s the sort of book that you and I would love, but commercially it’s a but of a non-starter. I guess something like this might appear one day but if it does it will inevitably come from one of the small specialist publishers that can afford to produce a short run of expensive books. Still, having said that, I will try and make my new book as informative and interesting as I can. You can never keep everybody happy though!

Not sure if this sort of photo might be of interest?

There’s a story behind it – and I was involved…. 😮

No promises but I will look through my old tool boxes and drawing folders. I used to make universal joints for the Harrier and AV8B. There may be some old drawings etc tucked away somewhere if any good.

I’m hoping this will be the definitave tome on the subject.

Unless the government have a change of heart (assuming they have a heart) then sadly the UK chapter of the Harrier is closing, still some life in the foreign operators and who knows what the future might hold, the Indians might upgrade their FRS1 fleet to some second hand GR9s so we might have to push Chox for a second volume!

I’m hoping this will be the definitave tome on the subject.
There have been many ‘light weight’ (some beautifully illustrated) books on the Harrier, but time has really come for a bringing together of back-ground, development, full service of Mks 1 – 10 (11 even), with a decent narrative, photos, and various tech and other drawings.

Unless they are sold abroad to new operators . Bear in mind that some of these airframes have a lot of life left in them and are very modded with the likes of HMCS etc.

What’s the point there is going to be a flood of airframes in the new year 😀

Fair enough, forget i mentioned it.

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Tim,

Will the book have a chapter similiar to this forums ‘Harriers in museums’ thread, on preserved examples of the type ?

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What’s the point there is going to be a flood of airframes in the new year 😀

Probably, but “handbaggings” generally make the person who issues them look silly, and as they say, any publicity is good publicity I guess (not that it benefits me – just my publisher!).

Will the book have a chapter similiar to this forums ‘Harriers in museums’ thread, on preserved examples of the type

Not too sure yet. It’s difficult to make a judgement as to what to include. I want to run a basic serials list for all Harriers but there isn’t enough space to include complete histories for every aircraft, so it will doubtless disappoint some readers who want every detail for every aircraft. On the other hand, different readers will complain if too much space is devoted to lists like that so you can’t win. Preserved airframes is an idea that appeals to me but the problem is that it would only be accurate for a few months I guess… It is a headache deciding what to do, actually! No decision yet to be honest!

I was wondering when the first book would come out, I’m really looking forward to it.
Speaking of Amazon, I can think of one individual who will be lurking with handbag at the ready to slag the book off;):dev2:

Tim,

Will the book have a chapter similiar to this forums ‘Harriers in museums’ thread, on preserved examples of the type ?

.

Theres an excellent thread over on UKAR right now with some lovely shots of the old SHAR!

I can help. Please send me a private message.