On November 14 2005, 801 NAS Sea Harrier FA2s left Yeovilton for HMS
Illustrious and the type's final cruise, through the Mediterranean. The
squadron badge, a white winged trident, was carried on the Sea
Harriers' fins superimposed on a black omega, indicating that 801 NAS
is the last Royal Navy Sea Harrier operator.
En route to Malta for a visit by HM the Queen on November 24, the
aircraft were flown intensively and performed air combat missions
against Portugese Air Force AMRAAM equipped F-16s; appropriately the
FA2s won.
Back at Yeovilton on November 29 the Squadron then ran down and was
disbanded on March 31 2006. On October 1 801 NAS will reform with
Harrier IIs as part of Joint Force Harrier at RAF Cottesmore, following
800 NAS which is similarly to reform on April 1.
...BUT THE INDIAN NAVY
SEA HARRIERS FLY ON
The February 2006 issue of 'Aircraft Illustrated' reported that INAS
300 'White Tigers' and the training squadron INAS 552 expect to be
operating their 13 FRSMk51s until 2012-2015 following a significant
update programme by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), now under way. A
new 'EL/M 2032 pulsed radar' system and 'Derby BVR' missiles are being
installed. Previous improvements included 'Tempest' jammer pods, chaff
and fare dispensers, GPS, improved WAC software and Blue Fox radar
updates. Some aircraft are fitted with a 'Roshni' RWR system and all
carry an 'Elta EL/L 8222' active self-protection jammer. (If any
readers have any information on these items, the Editor would be
pleased to hear from them.)
The IN still operates INS Viraat, formerly HMS Hermes, and plans to
keep her operational for another ten years. Viraat with the Sea
Harriers is well used, deploying typically for 45 day cruises and last
year operated with USS Nimitz in exercise Malabar during which the Sea
Harriers flew air combat training against USN Super Hornets.
