War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Tornado F.3

2023-03-12T20:33:17Z

U100474448: Spelling error

{{About
| about = British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Tornado (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=tornado_f3
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || > ___
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Mauser BK27 (27 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon, chin-mounted (180 rpg)
** 1 x 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon + 32 x large calibre countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|AIM-9L Sidewinder|Skyflash|Skyflash SuperTEMP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 2 x 330 gal drop tanks
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 320 x countermeasures
* 4 x Skyflash missiles
* 4 x Skyflash SuperTEMP missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9.0%" | 1 !! width="9.0%" | 2 !! width="9.0%" | 3 !! width="9.0%" | 4 !! width="9.0%" | 5
| rowspan="6" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
| 1, 2 *|| || || || 1, 2 *
|-
! Skyflash missiles
| || || 4 || ||
|-
! Skyflash SuperTEMP missiles
| || || 4 || ||
|-
! Countermeasures
| 160 * || || || || 160 *
|-
! 330 gal drop tanks
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
| colspan="7" | * Countermeasures can be carried with Sidewinder missiles on the same hardpoint
|}

== Usage in battles ==


Like other planes at this BR, the Tornado F.3 is outclassed by higher tier aircraft. This is especially problematic given the Tornado F.3 is heavily dependent on its weaponry and avionics to be competitive.

The Skyflash Super TEMPs are very potent but not on par with the [[AIM-7F Sparrow]]s. They accelerate faster and will outpace the AIM-7F within 4-6 km but refrain from trying to BVR Duel with the rank VIII Phantoms or the F-4J/S. The Skyflash will hang at around the same speed as the AIM-7F at BVR ranges. Due to how long the AIM-7F/M burns it will eventually outpace the Skyflash at longer ranges It goes without saying but The Skyflash is not an effective weapon against the [[R-27ER]] or the [[Matra Super 530D]]. Your prime targets are unsuspecting targets 4-9 km away heading generally towards you.

Try and avoid "fair" missile jousts considering the atrocious manoeuvrability of the Tornado F.3 makes it near impossible to kinetically dodge SARH missiles. Most of the high-end radar missiles can still guide into you due to CW missiles tracking residual radar returns or just gliding into you since the Tornado F.3 is not manoeuvrable enough to change course quickly to dodge the missile, even if the lock was broken. While most planes can outmanoeuvre a head on SARH missile by manoeuvring (rolling) out of the way, the Tornado cannot. It's even difficult to notch a radar-guided missile within 10 km given the closure speed and nearly orbital turning circle of the tornado. Of course, both are possible in certain circumstances but it isn't a reliable way to survive an competent opponent who has taken their time setting up a good SARH missile. Within 5 km, there isn't much you can do other than spam chaff and hope for the best.

Don't dogfight. You have no workable advantages against your opponent unless they are already badly crippled with large sections of their wings/tail missing. If you are chased, get a teammate to cover your back or run back to the airfield. Try and fly in a straight line given your speed bleed in any sort of turn manoeuvre.

Your stock Skyflash missiles take 1.8 seconds to begin tracking once launched. The [[Skyflash SuperTEMP]] only take 0.7 seconds to begin tracking.

The tornado F.3 likes to fly predictable, straight paths and makes very predictable manoeuvres. Any enemy with an ounce of situational awareness will easily be able to keep tabs on you with no effort whatsoever. You can't really make unpredictable manoeuvres and sneak up on people given your overall lack of mobility in any direction other than forward.

At this BR, you can outrange pretty much anyone at your own BR with BVR missiles. Your biggest challenge will be F-4J/S with their AIM-7Fs and PDV radars. You have a fair chance of spotting and locking them first given your superior radar. When BVR fighting with an equal BR opponent, it might be a good idea to deliberately waste a Skyflash with a max range launch just to give the enemy something to think about if they continue to take the head on. Once the missile is headed your way there isn't much you can do so the best defense is a good offence in this situation.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Has a lot of countermeasures, including large-calibre ones
* Can carry 8 air-to-air missiles at once
* Has radar gunsight
* Advanced radar for its BR
** Includes TWS that indicates direction of enemy
** PD has IFF
* All-aspect heat-seeking secondary missiles
* Can carry drop tanks to extend range

'''Cons:'''

* Poor turning performance
* Loses energy quickly in a turn
* Lackluster acceleration
* Stock Skyflash missiles take an extra second to start tracking compared to Sky flash (DF)
* Skyflash Super TEMP is not a competitive BVR missile
* Cannot kinetically dodge SARH missiles
* Short ACM range
* The 27 mm cannon has a low rate of fire, low ammunition count, and mediocre damage

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Harrier GR.7

2022-12-14T12:33:16Z

U100474448: Changed wording for clarification

{{About
| about = premium British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=harrier_gr7
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,116 || 1,110 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.4 || 30.9 || 70.8 || 70.8 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,133 || 1,125 || 29.6 || 30.0 || 111.1 || 89.7
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,137  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 829 || 556 || ~15 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 648 || < 950 || < 790 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.105 || 1
| colspan="3" | 6,057 kg || colspan="3" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 49m fuel
|-
| 1,710 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 7,113 kg || 7,467 kg || 8,173 kg || 9,230 kg || 9,577 kg || 14,567 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 49m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 8,490 kgf || 9,230 kgf
| 1.30 || 1.24 || 1.13 || 1.00 || 0.96 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 9,198 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,945 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.40 || 1.33 || 1.22 || 1.08 || 1.04 || 0.68
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** Without offensive armament
** 60 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|Mk.M2 (540 lb)|H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|CRV7 M247|SNEB type 23|ADEN 25 (25 mm)}}
{{main|Mk.13 (546 kg)|GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)|AGM-65D|AIM-9L Sidewinder}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 2 x 25 mm ADEN 25 cannons (100 rpg = 200 total)
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 640 x countermeasures
* 108 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 114 x CRV7 M247 rockets
* 2 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (1,080 lb total)
* 5 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 6 x 295 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,770 kg total)
* 4 x 546 kg Mk.13 bombs (2,184 kg total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x AGM-65D missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="14" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! 25 mm ADEN 25 cannons (100 rpg)
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs
| 1 || || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs
| || 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs
| 1* || 1* || || 1* || || || || 1* || || 1* || 1
|-
! 546 kg Mk.13 bombs
| || 1* || || 1* || || || || 1* || || 1* ||
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs
| || || || 1* || || || || 1* || || ||
|-
! CRV7 M247 rockets
| 19 || 19 || || 19 || || || || 19 || || 19 || 19
|-
! SNEB type 23 rockets
| 18 || 18 || || 18 || || || || 18 || || 18 || 18
|-
! AGM-65D missiles
| || 1 || || 1 || || || || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
| 1† || || 1† || || || || || || 1† || || 1†
|-
! Countermeasures
| 160† || || 160† || || || || || || 160† || || 160†
|-
! TIALD
| || || || || || || 1* || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible wing load: 1,900 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,400 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The TIALD targeting pod must be carried when equipping guided bombs †AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles can be carried in conjunction with countermeasure pods on the same hardpoint
|}

== Usage in battles ==

'''As fighter:'''

The Harrier is a subsonic fighter fighting against a mostly supersonic opposition. However, as a weapons platform, it has access to some features that make it able to compete:

You can carry up to 4 AIM-9L missiles that are all-aspect, have an maximum overload of 30 G, and a maximum launch range of 18 km. In realistic terms, that means that if you have an altitude advantage of 1-2 km to someone running away from you you are still able to lock them and fire at a distance of up to 5-6 km and the missile still has a good chance of reaching them. The AIM-9Ls have a decent flare resistance if the enemy still has his afterburner on. However, you should avoid firing them in a frontal aspect as just a few flares will be able to decoy them.

You will receive access to 60 countermeasures with the first countermeasure modification and with the second you unlock the option to carry 160 countermeasures on each of the Sidewinder pylons, totalling to 4 X 160 + 60 = 700 countermeasures. It is highly recommend to run them mixed (both flares and chaff). This allows you to use the periodic countermeasures dispense function when you are in situations where your situational awareness will be limited, to prevent a missile from hitting the plane.

You also receive a RWR, which is a useful tool for roughly finding the location of enemies and warning you when you are locked on radar.

At the beginning of the match you can climb to the side along the same flight path as the rest of your team. Try keeping a speed of above 800 km/h while climbing to maybe 5,000 to 7,000 m altitude. That playstyle would leave you however open to some BVR misses being fired by enemies like the F-14. If you pick up a warning on your RWR and see a semi-active or active radar-guided missile you will want to fly perpendicularly to the source of the enemy radar whilst deploying chaff.

The general playstyle would be to wait for the proper opportunity. You are not the plane that will carry the match, you are a support aircraft. Almost all matches inevitably turn into a furball fight where enemies and allies will be located in a tight area. You can dive down from above on them and fire your AIM-9Ls on unsuspecting targets. Be careful not to fire your missiles when allies are very close to the enemy, as you can easily hit a teammate by mistake.

When surrounded by enemies, turn on automatic countermeasure dispenser and focus on the enemies position and who you can target and to where you can disengage. Try to avoid turning with enemies as even with the VTOL controls you will probably be outmatched. A turnfight should be your last resort.

'''When in combined battles (ground realistic battles):'''

The Harrier GR.7 has an excellent selection of air to ground munitions available for use for ground attack which can be configured using the Weapon loadout customization menu.

'''TIALD'''
[[File:Harrier GR.7 TIALD Display.png|thumb|As seen in picture, TIALD shares similarities with the helicopter gunner sights.]]
The TIALD (Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator) has access to thermal vision making target acquisition an easy task. While in use, it acts very similarly to helicopter gunner sights for modern helicopters, utilizing almost the exact same functions. Range is not displayed in the HUD as seen in helicopters. However, this is not a crucial aspect of accurate bombing as the range is fully dependent on the aircraft's attitude (altitude, speed, angle of attack, etc.). If the user is familiar with helicopter HUD, you will be familiar with the indicators to the left of the reticle.
[[File:TIALD info.png|left|thumb|TIALD indicators]]
These indicators signal the following: THR (throttle), IAS (indicated air speed), SPD (speed at sea level), ALT (altitude). These indicators will stay fixed to the sight regardless of the loadout. The lower indicators will vary according to the loadout carried at the time, in this case: GBU ([[GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)]] guided bombs) FLR (amount of flares remaining) and CHFF (amount of chaff remaining). The TIALD has a double functionality, not only working as the laser designator for GBUs but can work as an additional scouting tool for better situational awareness, both for air-to-ground and air-to-air. Functionalities of the TIALD will be explained further below.

Something to keep in mind is that while the TIALD pod can look backwards it cannot look directly downwards, this means that if you have the pod locked to a target and you fly directly over the target, the pod can lose its lock on the target when it hits the downwards limit. If you allow this to happen, it is likely the bomb will miss the target before you are able to get the targeting pod pointed at it again. In order to avoid this, you can fly slightly off to the side of your target (rather than passing straight over it) so that the pod can keep pointed at the target by swivelling sideways, rather than straight down like it would have to if you few directly over it.

'''AGM-65D'''

The AGM-65D air-to-ground missile and, when working in conjunction with the TIALD targeting pod, can be an effective combination for knocking out enemy tanks from far away. It is recommended to also bring a couple of AIM-9L missiles for self-defence against enemy fighters. As the AGM-65D utilises thermal imaging for guidance, you should have no problem spotting enemy vehicles in day or night battles.

To successfully use this weapon in ground battles, you will first need to stay well away from the battlefield and begin climbing in order to bring yourself above the view of enemy SPAA radar. Once an altitude of 5,000 - 6,000 m is reached, begin heading towards the battlefield while maintaining a shallow climb. Once you have positioned yourself near or over the battlefield, you can use your TIALD targeting pod to search for enemy vehicles and watch for friendly scout markers. After acquiring a lock on an enemy position, point the nose of the aircraft roughly in the direction of the enemy vehicle and then press your "fire air-to-ground missile" key once to activate the missile seeker and once more to fire the missile. As the AGM-65D is a fire-and-forget weapon, you do not need to maintain lock for the duration of the missiles flight and can immediately begin searching for new targets. It is advised to try to target enemy SPAA first as even though they cannot see you on radar (provided you are still far above them), they can still manually look up and try to find you once they notice you eliminating their teamates in the battle log.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* It has a very large count of countermeasures (700 if all four BOL rails are equipped)
* Even if only two BOL rails are equipped the amount of countermeasures is still very impressive at 380
* Can carry up to four very effective [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
* Dedicated missile pylons ensure you can always carry at least two AIM-9Ls without sacrificing any ground attack ordnance
* Has built in target tracker and FLIR even without targeting pod
* Has pilot night vision
* ADEN 25 cannons have very high rate of fire and velocity
* Access to a very diverse range of ground attack ordnance including 610 lb, 1,200 lb and 2,000 lb laser-guided bombs and [[AGM-65D|AGM-65D Mavericks]]
* Can carry six laser guided bombs at the same time
* TIALD pod (which has far better zoom and resolution than the missile seeker) can be used to lock [[AGM-65D|AGM-65Ds]] onto targets.
* It is very hard to rip the wings due to excessive speed or G overload, thanks to the very high G overload limit and the wing rip speed being above what the aircraft can typically achieve
* CR7V M247 rockets are very effective at destroying SPAAs from range due to very high speed and explosive mass being much better than SNEB rockets

'''Cons:'''

* The exceptional rate of fire and low ammo count of the gun pods gives you very limited trigger time before running out of ammo
* 25 mm belts have no tracer rounds, making it hard to learn the unique ballistics of the ADEN cannon
* No radar
* Subsonic
* Engine overheats if used at 100% or WEP - about 90-95% throttle is the most you can use for extended periods of time (depending on map temperature)
* Limited WEP time
* Lower top speed than first generation Harriers

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=harrier_gr7 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|viGPHQQScKo|'''The Shooting Range #322''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|-9BZqM1MqpM|'''Harrier GR.7 : A Basic Review''' - ''Tims Variety''}}

== See also ==


* [[Harrier GR.3]]
* [[A-7D]]
* [[A-7E]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7865-development-harrier-gr-7-next-gen-jump-jet-en|[Devblog] Harrier GR.7: Next Gen Jump Jet]]

{{AirManufacturer BAe}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Harrier GR.7

2022-12-12T13:15:54Z

U100474448: Spelling error

{{About
| about = premium British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=harrier_gr7
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,116 || 1,110 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.4 || 30.9 || 70.8 || 70.8 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,133 || 1,125 || 29.6 || 30.0 || 111.1 || 89.7
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,137  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 829 || 556 || ~15 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 648 || < 950 || < 790 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.105 || 1
| colspan="3" | 6,057 kg || colspan="3" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 49m fuel
|-
| 1,710 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 7,113 kg || 7,467 kg || 8,173 kg || 9,230 kg || 9,577 kg || 14,567 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 49m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 8,490 kgf || 9,230 kgf
| 1.30 || 1.24 || 1.13 || 1.00 || 0.96 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 9,198 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,945 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.40 || 1.33 || 1.22 || 1.08 || 1.04 || 0.68
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** Without offensive armament
** 60 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|Mk.M2 (540 lb)|H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|CRV7 M247|SNEB type 23|ADEN 25 (25 mm)}}
{{main|Mk.13 (546 kg)|GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)|AGM-65D|AIM-9L Sidewinder}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 2 x 25 mm ADEN 25 cannons (100 rpg = 200 total)
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 640 x countermeasures
* 108 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 114 x CRV7 M247 rockets
* 2 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (1,080 lb total)
* 5 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 6 x 295 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,770 kg total)
* 4 x 546 kg Mk.13 bombs (2,184 kg total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x AGM-65D missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="14" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! 25 mm ADEN 25 cannons (100 rpg)
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs
| 1 || || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs
| || 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs
| 1* || 1* || || 1* || || || || 1* || || 1* || 1
|-
! 546 kg Mk.13 bombs
| || 1* || || 1* || || || || 1* || || 1* ||
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs
| || || || 1* || || || || 1* || || ||
|-
! CRV7 M247 rockets
| 19 || 19 || || 19 || || || || 19 || || 19 || 19
|-
! SNEB type 23 rockets
| 18 || 18 || || 18 || || || || 18 || || 18 || 18
|-
! AGM-65D missiles
| || 1 || || 1 || || || || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
| 1† || || 1† || || || || || || 1† || || 1†
|-
! Countermeasures
| 160† || || 160† || || || || || || 160† || || 160†
|-
! TIALD
| || || || || || || 1* || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible wing load: 1,900 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,400 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The TIALD targeting pod must be carried when equipping guided bombs †AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles can be carried in conjunction with countermeasure pods on the same hardpoint
|}

== Usage in battles ==

'''As fighter:'''

The Harrier is a subsonic fighter fighting against a mostly supersonic opposition. However, as a weapons platform, it has access to some features that make it able to compete:

You can carry up to 4 AIM-9L missiles that are all-aspect, have an maximum overload of 30 G, and a maximum launch range of 18 km. In realistic terms, that means that if you have an altitude advantage of 1-2 km to someone running away from you you are still able to lock them and fire at a distance of up to 5-6 km and the missile still has a good chance of reaching them. The AIM-9Ls have a decent flare resistance if the enemy still has his afterburner on. However, you should avoid firing them in a frontal aspect as just a few flares will be able to decoy them.

You will receive access to 60 countermeasures with the first countermeasure modification and with the second you unlock the option to carry 160 countermeasures on each of the Sidewinder pylons, totalling to 4 X 160 + 60 = 700 countermeasures. It is highly recommend to run them mixed (both flares and chaff). This allows you to use the periodic countermeasures dispense function when you are in situations where your situational awareness will be limited, to prevent a missile kill.

You also receive a RWR, which is a useful tool for roughly finding the location of enemies and warning you when you are locked on radar.

At the beginning of the match you can climb to the side along the same flight path as the rest of your team. Try keeping a speed of above 800 km/h while climbing to maybe 5,000 to 7,000 m altitude. That playstyle would leave you however open to some BVR misses being fired by enemies like the F-14. If you pick up a warning on your RWR and see a semi-active or active radar-guided missile you will want to fly perpendicularly to the source of the enemy radar whilst deploying chaff.

The general playstyle would be to wait for the proper opportunity. You are not the plane that will carry the match, you are a support aircraft. Almost all matches inevitably turn into a furball fight where enemies and allies will be located in a tight area. You can dive down from above on them and fire your AIM-9Ls on unsuspecting targets. Be careful not to fire your missiles when allies are very close to the enemy, as you can easily kill a teammate by mistake.

When surrounded by enemies, turn on automatic countermeasure dispenser and focus on the enemies position and who you can target and to where you can disengage. Try to avoid turning with enemies as even with the VTOL controls you will probably be outmatched. A turnfight should be your last resort.

'''When in combined battles (ground realistic battles):'''

The Harrier GR.7 has an excellent selection of air to ground munitions available for use for ground attack which can be configured using the Weapon loadout customization menu.

'''TIALD'''
[[File:Harrier GR.7 TIALD Display.png|thumb|As seen in picture, TIALD shares similarities with the helicopter gunner sights.]]
The TIALD (Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator) has access to thermal vision making target acquisition an easy task. While in use, it acts very similar to helicopter gunner sights for modern helicopters, utilizing almost the exact same functions. Range is not displayed in the HUD as seen in helicopters. However, this is not a crucial aspect of accurate bombing as the range is fully dependent on the aircraft's attitude (altitude, speed, angle of attack, etc). If the user is familiar with helicopter HUD, you will be familiar with the indicators to the left of the reticle.
[[File:TIALD info.png|left|thumb|TIALD indicators]]
These indicators signal the following: THR (throttle), IAS (indicated air speed), SPD (speed at sea level), ALT (altitude). These indicators will stay fixed to the sight regardless of the loadout. The lower indicators will vary according to the loadout carried at the time, in this case: GBU ([[GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)]] guided bombs) FLR (amount of flares remaining) and CHFF (amount of chaff remaining). The TIALD has a double functionality, not only working as the laser designator for GBUs but can work as an additional scouting tool for better situational awareness, both for air-to-ground and air-to-air. Functionalities of the TIALD will be explained further below.

Something to keep in mind is that while the TIALD pod can look backwards it cannot look directly downwards, this means that if you have the pod locked to a target and you fly directly over the target the pod can lose its lock on the target when it hits the downwards limit. If you allow this to happen, it is likely the bomb will miss the target before you are able to get the targeting pod pointed at it again. In order to avoid this, you can fly slightly off to the side of your target (rather than passing straight over it) so that the pod can keep pointed at the target by swivelling sideways, rather than straight down like it would have to if you few directly over it.

'''AGM-65D'''

The AGM-65D air-to-ground missile in conjuction with the TIALD targeting pod can be an effective comboniation for knocking out enemy tanks from far away it is reccomended to also bring a couple of AIM-9L missiles for self defence against enemy fighters. As the AGM-65D utilises thermal imaging for guidence you should have no problem spotting enemy vehicles in day or night battles. To successfully use this weapon in ground battles you will first need to stay well away from the battlefield and begin climbing in order to bring yourself above the view of enemy SPAA radar, once an altitude of 5000 - 6000m is reached begin heading towards the battlefield while mainting a shallow climb, once you have positioned yourself near or over the battlefield you can use your TIALD targeting pod to search for enemy vehicles and watch for friendly scout markers, after acquiring a lock on an enemy position the nose of the aircraft roughly in the direction of the enemy vehicle and then press your fire-air-to-ground missile key once to activate the missile seeker and once more to fire the missile. As the AGM-65D is a fire-and-forget weapon you do not need to maintain lock for the duration of the missiles flight and can immediately begin searching for new targets, it is advised to try to target enemy SPAA first as even though they cannot see you on radar (provided you are still far above them) they can still manually look up and try to find you once they notice any kills you make in the battle log.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* It has a very large count of countermeasures (700 if all four BOL rails are equipped)
* Even if only two BOL rails are equipped the amount of countermeasures is still very impressive at 380
* Can carry up to four very effective [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
* Dedicated missile pylons ensure you can always carry at least two AIM-9Ls without sacrificing any ground attack ordnance
* Has built in target tracker and FLIR even without targeting pod
* Has pilot night vision
* ADEN 25 cannons have very high rate of fire and velocity
* Access to a very diverse range of ground attack ordnance including 610 lb, 1,200 lb and 2,000 lb laser guided bombs and [[AGM-65D|AGM-65D Mavericks]]
* Can carry six laser guided bombs at the same time
* TIALD pod (which has far better zoom and resolution than the missile seeker) can be used to lock [[AGM-65D|AGM-65Ds]] onto targets.
* It is very hard to rip the wings due to excessive speed or G overload, thanks to the very high G overload limit and the wing rip speed being above what the aircraft can typically achieve
* CR7V M247 rockets are very effective at killing spaa's from range due to very high speed and explosive mass being much better than SNEB rockets

'''Cons:'''

* The exceptional rate of fire and low ammo count of the gun pods gives you very limited trigger time before running out of ammo
* 25 mm belts have no tracer rounds, making it hard to learn the unique ballistics of the ADEN cannon
* No radar
* Subsonic
* Engine overheats if used at 100% or WEP - about 90-95% throttle is the most you can use for extended periods of time (depending on map temperature)
* Limited WEP time
* Lower top speed than first generation Harriers

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=harrier_gr7 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|viGPHQQScKo|'''The Shooting Range #322''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|-9BZqM1MqpM|'''Harrier GR.7 : A Basic Review''' - ''Tims Variety''}}

== See also ==


* [[Harrier GR.3]]
* [[A-7D]]
* [[A-7E]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7865-development-harrier-gr-7-next-gen-jump-jet-en|[Devblog] Harrier GR.7: Next Gen Jump Jet]]

{{AirManufacturer BAe}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Harrier GR.7

2022-12-12T13:14:01Z

U100474448: Added description of usage of TIALD Targeting pod and usage of AGM-65D missile

{{About
| about = premium British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=harrier_gr7
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,116 || 1,110 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.4 || 30.9 || 70.8 || 70.8 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,133 || 1,125 || 29.6 || 30.0 || 111.1 || 89.7
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,137  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 829 || 556 || ~15 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 648 || < 950 || < 790 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.105 || 1
| colspan="3" | 6,057 kg || colspan="3" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 49m fuel
|-
| 1,710 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 7,113 kg || 7,467 kg || 8,173 kg || 9,230 kg || 9,577 kg || 14,567 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 49m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 8,490 kgf || 9,230 kgf
| 1.30 || 1.24 || 1.13 || 1.00 || 0.96 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 9,198 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,945 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.40 || 1.33 || 1.22 || 1.08 || 1.04 || 0.68
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** Without offensive armament
** 60 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|Mk.M2 (540 lb)|H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|CRV7 M247|SNEB type 23|ADEN 25 (25 mm)}}
{{main|Mk.13 (546 kg)|GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)|AGM-65D|AIM-9L Sidewinder}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 2 x 25 mm ADEN 25 cannons (100 rpg = 200 total)
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 640 x countermeasures
* 108 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 114 x CRV7 M247 rockets
* 2 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (1,080 lb total)
* 5 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 6 x 295 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,770 kg total)
* 4 x 546 kg Mk.13 bombs (2,184 kg total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x AGM-65D missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="14" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! 25 mm ADEN 25 cannons (100 rpg)
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs
| 1 || || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs
| || 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs
| 1* || 1* || || 1* || || || || 1* || || 1* || 1
|-
! 546 kg Mk.13 bombs
| || 1* || || 1* || || || || 1* || || 1* ||
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs
| || || || 1* || || || || 1* || || ||
|-
! CRV7 M247 rockets
| 19 || 19 || || 19 || || || || 19 || || 19 || 19
|-
! SNEB type 23 rockets
| 18 || 18 || || 18 || || || || 18 || || 18 || 18
|-
! AGM-65D missiles
| || 1 || || 1 || || || || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
| 1† || || 1† || || || || || || 1† || || 1†
|-
! Countermeasures
| 160† || || 160† || || || || || || 160† || || 160†
|-
! TIALD
| || || || || || || 1* || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible wing load: 1,900 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,400 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The TIALD targeting pod must be carried when equipping guided bombs †AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles can be carried in conjunction with countermeasure pods on the same hardpoint
|}

== Usage in battles ==

'''As fighter:'''

The Harrier is a subsonic fighter fighting against a mostly supersonic opposition. However, as a weapons platform, it has access to some features that make it able to compete:

You can carry up to 4 AIM-9L missiles that are all-aspect, have an maximum overload of 30 G, and a maximum launch range of 18 km. In realistic terms, that means that if you have an altitude advantage of 1-2 km to someone running away from you you are still able to lock them and fire at a distance of up to 5-6 km and the missile still has a good chance of reaching them. The AIM-9Ls have a decent flare resistance if the enemy still has his afterburner on. However, you should avoid firing them in a frontal aspect as just a few flares will be able to decoy them.

You will receive access to 60 countermeasures with the first countermeasure modification and with the second you unlock the option to carry 160 countermeasures on each of the Sidewinder pylons, totalling to 4 X 160 + 60 = 700 countermeasures. It is highly recommend to run them mixed (both flares and chaff). This allows you to use the periodic countermeasures dispense function when you are in situations where your situational awareness will be limited, to prevent a missile kill.

You also receive a RWR, which is a useful tool for roughly finding the location of enemies and warning you when you are locked on radar.

At the beginning of the match you can climb to the side along the same flight path as the rest of your team. Try keeping a speed of above 800 km/h while climbing to maybe 5,000 to 7,000 m altitude. That playstyle would leave you however open to some BVR misses being fired by enemies like the F-14. If you pick up a warning on your RWR and see a semi-active or active radar-guided missile you will want to fly perpendicularly to the source of the enemy radar whilst deploying chaff.

The general playstyle would be to wait for the proper opportunity. You are not the plane that will carry the match, you are a support aircraft. Almost all matches inevitably turn into a furball fight where enemies and allies will be located in a tight area. You can dive down from above on them and fire your AIM-9Ls on unsuspecting targets. Be careful not to fire your missiles when allies are very close to the enemy, as you can easily kill a teammate by mistake.

When surrounded by enemies, turn on automatic countermeasure dispenser and focus on the enemies position and who you can target and to where you can disengage. Try to avoid turning with enemies as even with the VTOL controls you will probably be outmatched. A turnfight should be your last resort.

'''When in combined battles (ground realistic battles):'''

The Harrier GR.7 has an excellent selection of air to ground munitions available for use for ground attack which can be configured using the Weapon loadout customization menu.

'''TIALD'''
[[File:Harrier GR.7 TIALD Display.png|thumb|As seen in picture, TIALD shares similarities with the helicopter gunner sights.]]
The TIALD (Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator) has access to thermal vision making target acquisition an easy task. While in use, it acts very similar to helicopter gunner sights for modern helicopters, utilizing almost the exact same functions. Range is not displayed in the HUD as seen in helicopters. However, this is not a crucial aspect of accurate bombing as the range is fully dependent on the aircraft's attitude (altitude, speed, angle of attack, etc). If the user is familiar with helicopter HUD, you will be familiar with the indicators to the left of the reticle.
[[File:TIALD info.png|left|thumb|TIALD indicators]]
These indicators signal the following: THR (throttle), IAS (indicated air speed), SPD (speed at sea level), ALT (altitude). These indicators will stay fixed to the sight regardless of the loadout. The lower indicators will vary according to the loadout carried at the time, in this case: GBU ([[GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)]] guided bombs) FLR (amount of flares remaining) and CHFF (amount of chaff remaining). The TIALD has a double functionality, not only working as the laser designator for GBUs but can work as an additional scouting tool for better situational awareness, both for air-to-ground and air-to-air. Functionalities of the TIALD will be explained further below.

Something to keep in mind is that while the TIALD pod can look backwards it cannot look directly downwards, this means that if you have the pod locked to a target and you fly directly over the target the pod can lose its lock on the target when it hits the downwards limit. If you allow this to happen, it is likely the bomb will miss the target before you are able to get the targeting pod pointed at it again. In order to avoid this, you can fly slightly off to the side of your target (rather than passing straight over it) so that the pod can keep pointed at the target by swivelling sideways, rather than straight down like it would have to if you few directly over it.

'''AGM-65D'''

The AGM-65D air-to-ground missile in conjuction with the TIALD targeting pod can be an effective comboniation for knocking out enemy tanks from far away it is reccomended to also bring a couple of AIM-9L missiles for self defence against enemy fighters. As the AGM-65D utilises thermal imaging for guidence you should have no problem spotting enemy vehicles in day or night battles. To successfully use this weapon in ground battles you will to first stay well away from the battlefield and begin climbing in order to bring yourself above the view of enemy SPAA radar once an altitude of 5000 - 6000m is reached begin heading towards the battlefield while mainting a shallow climb, once you have positioned yourself near or over the battlefield you can use your TIALD targeting pod to search for enemy vehicles and watch for friendly scout markers, after acquiring a lock position the nose of the aircraft roughly in the direction of the enemy vehicle and then press your fire-air-to-ground missile key once to activate the missile seeker and once more to fire the missile. As the AGM-65D is a fire-and-forget weapon you do not need to maintain lock for the duration of the missiles flight and can immediately begin searching for new targets, it is advised to try to target enemy SPAA first as even though they cannot see you on radar (provided you are still far above them) they can still manually look up and try to find you once they notice any kills you make in the battle log.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* It has a very large count of countermeasures (700 if all four BOL rails are equipped)
* Even if only two BOL rails are equipped the amount of countermeasures is still very impressive at 380
* Can carry up to four very effective [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
* Dedicated missile pylons ensure you can always carry at least two AIM-9Ls without sacrificing any ground attack ordnance
* Has built in target tracker and FLIR even without targeting pod
* Has pilot night vision
* ADEN 25 cannons have very high rate of fire and velocity
* Access to a very diverse range of ground attack ordnance including 610 lb, 1,200 lb and 2,000 lb laser guided bombs and [[AGM-65D|AGM-65D Mavericks]]
* Can carry six laser guided bombs at the same time
* TIALD pod (which has far better zoom and resolution than the missile seeker) can be used to lock [[AGM-65D|AGM-65Ds]] onto targets.
* It is very hard to rip the wings due to excessive speed or G overload, thanks to the very high G overload limit and the wing rip speed being above what the aircraft can typically achieve
* CR7V M247 rockets are very effective at killing spaa's from range due to very high speed and explosive mass being much better than SNEB rockets

'''Cons:'''

* The exceptional rate of fire and low ammo count of the gun pods gives you very limited trigger time before running out of ammo
* 25 mm belts have no tracer rounds, making it hard to learn the unique ballistics of the ADEN cannon
* No radar
* Subsonic
* Engine overheats if used at 100% or WEP - about 90-95% throttle is the most you can use for extended periods of time (depending on map temperature)
* Limited WEP time
* Lower top speed than first generation Harriers

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=harrier_gr7 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|viGPHQQScKo|'''The Shooting Range #322''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|-9BZqM1MqpM|'''Harrier GR.7 : A Basic Review''' - ''Tims Variety''}}

== See also ==


* [[Harrier GR.3]]
* [[A-7D]]
* [[A-7E]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7865-development-harrier-gr-7-next-gen-jump-jet-en|[Devblog] Harrier GR.7: Next Gen Jump Jet]]

{{AirManufacturer BAe}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

File:TIALD info.png

2022-12-12T12:41:51Z

U100474448:

Indicators seen on TIALD view

File:Harrier GR.7 TIALD Display.png

2022-12-12T12:38:45Z

U100474448:

As seen in picture, TIALD shares similarities with the helicopter gunner sights.

Challenger 2

2022-08-20T19:29:16Z

U100474448: /* Main armament */ Description of available ammunition types was incorrect listing only L23A1 and L26 rounds however since this was written L27A1 was added to the challenger 2

{{About
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Challenger 2 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_challenger_II
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', FV4034 or '''CR2''', is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].

The Challenger 2 MBT is the epitome of British tank design; a direct result of all the experience gained over the previous British MBTs as the Chieftain and the Challenger 1.

The Challenger 2 is a force to be reckoned on the battlefield, thanks to competent grades in firepower and armour. On the other end, the vehicle's mobility is not excellent when placed against opponents such as the [[Leopard 2 (Family)|Leopard 2]] which follows a distinct tank doctrine. Because of this, a skilled commander is required to take advantage of each of the strengths of the Challenger 2.

This vehicle design is dated back to 1986, therefore some technological aspects might be lacking when compared to more up-to-date adversaries. However, it is constantly updated with various modifications, allowing the CR2 to stand up against any of the tanks in real life and present in War Thunder.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 38 mm (79-82°), 50* mm (60°) ''Upper glacis'' 70 mm (28°) ''Lower glacis'' 60 mm (84°-0'°) ''Driver hatch''
| 25 mm (0°) ''Top'' 50 mm (0°), 38 mm (14°) + 4 mm ''Bottom''
| 25 mm (29-30°) + 4 mm || 20 mm (90°) 25 mm (71-74°) S''ides'' 10 mm (90°) ''Engine grille''
|-
| Turret || 50* mm (50°) 30 mm (50-0°), 4 mm ''Gun mantlet'' 38 mm (0-90°) ''Turret cast''
| 20 mm (6-7°) ''Front'' 25 mm (6°) ''Mid right'' 80 mm (6°) ''Mid'' 10 mm (6-7°) ''Rear''
| 10 mm (17-18°) 38 mm (82°)
| 10 mm (80-90°) ''Rear'' 38 mm (75-78°) 20 mm (71°) S''ides'' 38 mm (82-79°)''Turret cast''
|-
| Cupola || 60 mm || || || 44 mm
|-
!Composite armour*
! colspan="2" |Front
! colspan="2" |Sides
|-
|Hull
| colspan="2" |200 mm NERA + 80 mm RHA + 50 mm RHA
| colspan="2" |150 mm NERA, 70 mm screens ''Side skirts''
|-
|Turret
| colspan="2" |400 mm NERA + 100 mm RHA + 170 mm RHA
200 mm RHA ''Gun mantlet''
| colspan="2" |230 mm NERA + 20 mm RHA + 70 mm RHA
|-
!Reactive Armour
! colspan="2" |Front
! colspan="2" |Sides
|-
|Hull
| colspan="2" |
| colspan="2" |
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* 50-200 mm RHA armoured ammo bins inside the crew compartment
* 25 mm RHA armour plates next the driver position
* Exterior fuel tanks separate the external side armour plate and the composite side armour plate
* The floor armour thickness is 16 mm

[[File:Challenger 2 Density Visualisation.png|thumb|CR2 Frontal [[Protection Density Visualisation]]]]
The Challenger 2 reinforces the strengths of the Challenger 1 Mk.2/Mk.3, with extremely well protected turret cheeks and better UFP protection, while suffering from similar weaknesses - a particularly weak lower front plate and negligible side protection.

The Challenger 2 has a defined gun mantlet that is far larger in area compared to previous Challenger models. This mantlet is very weak in comparison to the rest of the turret, providing roughly 300 mm of RHAe protection, making it a glaring weakspot that easily results in the destruction of the gun breech and loss of turret crew. Additionally, the taller turret design exposes a weak frontal roof slope - while this is a somewhat small vulnerability, penetration may result in the gunner or commander's incapacitation.

Similarly to the Challenger 1s, the driver's hatch on the Challenger 2 is a significant weakness that compromises the well protected UFP. The hatch has no composite behind it and provides at best 100 mm of RHA protection. As such, the Challenger 2 thrives in hull-down positions where minimal vulnerabilities are exposed and it can retreat into further cover if one of the few weak spots are penetrated. In situations where protective positioning is not an option, the Challenger 2 should be used conservatively and carefully, avoiding direct confrontation wherever possible.

If direct melee confrontation with Soviet medium tanks is impossible to avoid, operator should note, that, due to design differences, Challenger 2 towers over tanks like [[T-64B]] and at point blank (almost ramming range), LFP becomes untargetable for them, while UFP and turret take such a high angle, that even upgraded APFSDS of theirs have problems penetrating them. While it's very unlikely that rank VI or VII player will be this startled, Challenger 2 can survive about two to three panic shots like this.

If the enemy was not confused by your aggression and immediately fired at driver's hatch or gun mantlet, the outcome will then be decided by amount of ammunition still stored inside of tank turret. If it was low enough, and the enemy didn't account for it, then, depending on shell used, tank will lose either driver, loader, gunner or gun breech.

During urban combat it is also important to remember, that Challenger 2 hull is very big and long, compared to small Soviet MBT. It can block entire street with just its hull if it was immobilized, rendering your teammates unable to assist. It is also very heavy and hard to push around, so they won't be able to just move you out of the way.

Keep yourself closer to walls and avoid narrow streets, if you ever need to be helped/towed.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,886|rbMinHp=1,076|weight=63.6|AoAweight=1.1}}

The {{PAGENAME}} is fitted with a similar twin turbo V12 diesel engine to the Challenger 1, producing a maximum of 1,200 horsepower. The {{PAGENAME}} can reach a maximum forward speed of 66 km/h (41 mph) in AB and 59 km/h (37 mph) in RB. The vehicle's stock performance is lacklustre, with acceleration and manoeuvrability suffering due to the {{PAGENAME}}'s 62.5 tonne total weight. However, once all upgrades are researched, the {{PAGENAME}} performs acceptably, despite being generally out-classed by competitor vehicles like the M1A2 and T-80U. The {{PAGENAME}} also utilises a fully functional neutral steering system, and even when stock the vehicle's neutral steering ability is admirable - easiest used with manual gear selection to avoid shifting during traverse. Notably, the {{PAGENAME}}'s reverse speed is quite comfortable, with the vehicle capable of up to 36 km/h (RB/SB) backwards thanks to the two reverse gears.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|L30A1 (120 mm)}}

The Challenger 2's primary armament is the 120 mm L30A1 cannon. Unlike most modern MBT cannons, the L30A1 is rifled as opposed to smoothbore. This is primarily due to the British preference for HESH ammunition availability (High-Explosive Squash Head), the design of which requires a rifled cannon for accurate fire. The rifled design has some positive attributes: it's extremely accurate with both HESH and APFSDS rounds, including at long range; however the downside is a limited selection of ammunition: the CR2 only has the L23A1, L26 and L27A1 APFSDS rounds, the L31A7 HESH round and the L34 Smoke round available to it.

The L30A1 has a base reload time of 6.5 seconds, improving to 5 seconds with an aced crew. As a result, the Challenger 2 sports the fastest reloading non-autoloaded 120 mm cannon in-game. In addition, the Challenger 2 allows the L30A1 a comfortable 10° of gun depression and a reasonable turret traverse speed.

The characteristics of the CR2 in combination with the L30A1 weight the vehicle towards a long-range sniping playstyle, generally the vehicle feels very comfortable doing as it minimises the inferior mobility of the vehicle by having it stay in the back, providing long range fire support and exploiting unaware enemies.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[L30A1 (120 mm)|120 mm L30A1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 29.5 || 40.8 || 49.6 || 54.8 || 58.4 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 18.4 || 21.7 || 26.4 || 29.1 || 31.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Shot L23A1 || APFSDS || 396 || 394 || 387 || 376 || 367 || 357
|-
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152
|-
| L26 || APFSDS || 493 || 491 || 487 || 481 || 474 || 468
|-
| L27A1 || APFSDS || 564 || 562 || 557 || 551 || 545 || 538
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| Shot L23A1 || APFSDS || 1,535 || 3.89 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 670 || 17.1 || 0.1 || 4 || 6,560 || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
| L26 || APFSDS || 1,650 || 4.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| L27A1 || APFSDS || 1,650 || 4.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| L34 || 670 || 17.1 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo part
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! 8th rack empty
! 9th rack empty
! 10th rack empty
! 11th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''50'''
| ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants''
| 44 ''(+6)'' 45 ''(+5)''
| 39 ''(+11)'' 39 ''(+11)''
| 32 ''(+18)'' 30 ''(+20)''
| 30 ''(+20)'' 22 ''(+28)''
| 28 ''(+22)'' 13 ''(+37)''
| 25 ''(+25)'' 5 ''(+45)''
| 22 ''(+28)'' 1 ''(+49)''
| 14 ''(+36)''  
| 5 ''(+45)''  
| 4 ''(+46)''  
| 1 ''(+49)''  
| No
|-
|}
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

* Projectile racks 10 and 11, and propellant rack 7, are first-stage ammo racks
* Hull front empty: 22 ''(+28)''

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|L37A2 (7.62 mm)|L94A1 (7.62 mm)}}

The Challenger 2 possesses one pintle-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun and one coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. While these aren't particularly effective against tanks, they can be used as a aircraft deterrent, and lucky shots may result in critical damage or pilot snipes. Besides anti-aircraft fire, they're useful for clearing light obstacles and the crew of open-top vehicles.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[L37A2 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L37A2]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 1,700 (100) || 650 || -10°/+25° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[L94A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L94A1]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 2,300 (2,000) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

'''The Challenger 2 excels as a sniper or a support tank''', and should be played as such whenever possible; the farther the better. As such, it's important to try to find reasonable cover, regardless of the situation, with the ideal position being hull-down, preferably with some degree of angling available to maximise the bouncing capability of the frontal turret roof section. The Challenger 2 is the slowest of the top rank MBTs - a fact which is extremely important to keep in mind when using it - and as such should never be expected to rush points or used for quick flanks.

'''Rural Combat'''

The CR2 is most comfortable in rural combat, where cover is generally plentiful and targets will often open themselves to fire when moving forward. This is particularly perceptible on maps such as [[Maginot Line (Ground Forces)|Maginot Line]], where, in most configurations, the main routes to capture points are open to snipers on hills throughout the landscape. In these situations the CR2 excels, able to hold a defensive position while protecting team members in faster MBTs and covering capture points.

'''Urban Combat'''

The Challenger 2 is less agreeable in urban situations, where proper cover is more rare and its fatal weak points are often more exposed. In some situations, such as [[Alaska]], the opportunity may arise to flank around the side roads and pick a somewhat protected position behind the ridges lining them. However, in other maps like [[American Desert]] or [[Cargo Port]] proper hull-down cover is sparse and the vehicle can only be utilised without proper protection. In situations such as this, the Challenger 2 is best played defensively holding angles and slowly pushing forward with careful attention to the local surroundings and where opposing vehicles may appear from.

'''Notable Targets'''

* '''[[Leopard 2A5]]:''' The 2A5 should be engaged with care: it has better overall protection than the Challenger 2, and in many situations can appear near-impossible to destroy at range. Aim for the gun mantlet with at least the intention of disabling the weapon; some rounds may make it past and knock crew out. If the frontal hull is presented, aim for the left side of the hull as usually the driver, gunner and commander are all lined up so they can be knocked out all at the same time, resulting in the Leopard's destruction.

* '''[[Leclerc]]:''' The Leclerc is in possession of one of the few rounds capable of penetrating the Challenger 2 UFP reliably. When in combat with the Leclerc, it's important to expose as little of the CR2 as possible - if the Leclerc is able to destroy your weapon, it will often be able to use its high speed to get close enough to finish you off.

* '''[[Ariete|C1 Ariete]]/[[Ariete PSO]]:''' The C1 Ariete and Ariete PSO with the CL1343 shell can penetrate nearly anywhere on the Challenger 2, with the exception of the outer turret cheeks (and even then, at close ranges and particular angles, it can punch through those). As such, it's a potent sniper and should be handled with care. Fortunately, the Ariete MBTs have somewhat sub-par protection characteristics, and the Challenger 2 will often prove itself capable of quickly dispatching an Ariete at any range.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Extremely accurate main cannon with a fast reload, particularly for a 120 mm; also good gunner optics
* 10° of gun depression is highly useful and also increases the extremely good turret cheek protection
* 36 km/h reverse speed, a far cry from the early poor reverse speed of other British MBTs
* Has ESS, smoke shells and smoke grenades, a potential combat support tank
* Excellent armour protection levels and can get upgraded chemical protection with Dorchester armour pack
* Ammunition on the turret is inert; less vulnerable to overpenetrating shots by APFSDS, like on [[Ariete]]. (NATO tanks with "blowout panel" as [[IPM1]], get sniped through the turret)

'''Cons:'''

* A CR2 with an exposed hull is extremely vulnerable because of the negligible LFP armour
* Cannon mantlet area has unreliable armour; this is the worst weakspot as is impossible to hide while firing
* The frontal turret roof is somewhat vulnerable to chemical rounds when the optics or the machine gun is hit
* Ammunition propellants are strewn inside the vehicle; hull or side penetrations often result in ammo detonation (Avoidable with only 16 shells loaded)
* Sub-par acceleration and top speed relative to many other MBTs
* Prior to mobility upgrades being researched, manual neutral gear selection is required for reasonable hull traverse

== History ==

Work on developing a successor to the Challenger 1 began only a short time after the vehicle entered service with the British armed forces. Already by the mid-1980s, the Vickers company had developed a new MBT as part of a private venture. After requirements for a next-generation MBT have been issued, Vickers immediately submitted their design on the new Challenger 2 to the Ministry of Defence. Having briefly considered the adoption of the M1 Abrams, the Ministry decided to proceed with the Vickers design by ordering the construction of a prototype Challenger 2 for testing and evaluation. The Challenger 2 passed the evaluation and met expectations even when put through comparative testing against contemporary MBTs of other nations, such as the American M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2. Satisfied with the test results, the Ministry of Defence adopted the Challenger 2 and placed the first production order in 1993, with the initial batch consisting of 127 tanks in addition to 13 trainer vehicles. The first Challenger 2 tanks were delivered to the tank regiments by 1994. The Challenger 2 participated in several operations during the '90s and into the 2000s, ranging from peacekeeping missions on the Balkans to military interventions in Iraq. A number of Challenger 2 MBTs have also been exported to Oman, with this nation being the only operator of the Challenger 2, besides the UK. Production of Challenger 2 tanks seized in 2002 after all pending production orders were fulfilled, with close to 440 vehicles being produced. Since 2008, Challenger 2 tanks have constantly been undergoing modernization work, with a number of upgrade packages being developed. Thanks to these upgrades, the Challenger 2 MBT is expected to serve with the British Army well into the future.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6035-development-challenger-2-and-rank-vii-armored-vehicles-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_challenger_II Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|7YrtSp7ADe8|'''The Shooting Range #146''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the Challenger 2.|re-zMIOtSk0|'''Tank Chat #92 {{!}} Challenger 2: Full Length''' - ''The Tank Museum''}}

== See also ==


* ␙Challenger 2 - ([[wt:en/news/6286-esport-war-thunder-youtube-cup-results-en|YouTube Cup 2019]] prize)

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6035-development-challenger-2-and-rank-vii-armored-vehicles-en|[Devblog] Challenger 2 and rank VII armored vehicles]]

{{Britain medium tanks}}