The Qinetiq/RAE Bedford two
seat VAAC (Vectored-thrust Aircraft Advanced Control) Harrier T4,
XW175, recently carried out trials on HMS Illustrious to test the
effectiveness of the 'Bedford Array'. The system provides HUD signals
allowing the pilot to accomplish accurate rolling landings on a carrier
deck.
This landing technique, what we used to call a
slow landing, may be used on the JSF F-35B when returning to the deck
with high value, heavy weapons in hot climates. XW175 will shortly be
retired after some 40 years of flight trials. It has been used for much
important V/STOL flight control research by the RAE/DRA/Qinetiq which
culminated in the development of the flight control system for the JSF,
a vital UK contribution to the programme.
It has been reported that the Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Glenn
Torpy, has suggested that the MoD could save £1bn by taking the Harrier
out of service early, by 2014, and retiring the Ark Royal and
Illustrious thus ending the Royal Navy's interest in fixed wing
aviation. Not surprisingly, this is opposed by the First Sea Lord, Sir
Jonathan Bond, who supports the current Joint Force Harrier. If adopted
the result would be what is euphemistically called a 'capability
holiday' until the F-35B JSF enters service in late 2018.
Updated on 20May2009