War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

F-4J(UK) Phantom II

2023-12-24T17:37:23Z

U137567549: /* Flight performance */

{{About
| about = premium British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the American version
| link-1 = F-4J Phantom II
| usage-2 = other versions
| link-2 = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4jk
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_002.jpg}}
|store=11808
}}

== Description ==

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

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, maneuverability, 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
|-
| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 618 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== 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" | General Electric J79-GE-10 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 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
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,964 kg || 18,066 kg || 20,070 kg || 26,478 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
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,250 kgf || 8,159 kgf
| 1.02 || 0.90 || 0.81 || 0.61
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,311 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 10,361 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.30 || 1.15 || 1.03 || 0.78
|-
|}

=== 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}}


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

{| 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="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GAU-4 (20 mm)|20 mm GAU-4]] cannons (1,200 rpg)
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
! [[Mk.M2 (540 lb)|540 lb Mk.M2]] bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| 2 || 2 || || || || 3 || || || || 2 || 2
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| 2 || 2 || || || || 3 || || || || 2 || 2
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| 36 || 54 || || || || 54 || || || || 54 || 36
|-
! [[AIM-7E Sparrow]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| || || 2 || || || || || || 2 || ||
|-
! [[Skyflash]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! 600 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 600 gal drop tank
* 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 4 x Skyflash missiles
* 234 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 11 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (11,000 lb total)
* 11 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (11,000 lb total)
* 13 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (7,020 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x Skyflash missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 10 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (5,400 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x Skyflash missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x Skyflash missiles + 180 x SNEB type 23 rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


The F-4J (UK) is a great aircraft but will feel out of place to new players. The main attraction to any Phantom is its missiles, however [[Skyflash]] missiles do not complement the F-4J(UK)'s gameplay. Being essentially an improved [[AIM-7E-2 Sparrow]], the Skyflash does not have the long range performance of the [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] nor [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] (Skyflash with a 50 km launch range compared to AIM-7F's 100 km launch range). Not to mention you cannot roll out of the way of these high performance SARH missiles, forcing you to dump your lock and go 90° to attempt to force the missiles to overlead the other direction. In terms of raw G performance however, the Skyflash will absolutely pull all 25 Gs to hit a target (especially at short range) if you can maintain a radar lock. As a dogfight missile, the Skyflash starts pulling "off the rail", and will start pulling as soon as it clears the plane. Don't be afraid to fire at a non maneuvering target just within 2 kilometers (in a direct head on engagement).

As with all F-4s, sharp turns will quickly deplete your energy and speed. Made worse by the lack of a maneuvering speed, the F-4J(UK) will lose speed in nearly every turn at any speed. The F-4J(UK) is a heavy plane and will take an unacceptable (in terms of dodging missiles) amount of time to regain its speed in order to dodge another. Limit your time in open air and on the enemy's radar scopes if at all possible. Stay behind a teammate or behind the pack in general.

The [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] is a good missile, but its relatively low G overload becomes a serious issue in dogfights. The AIM-9G will take a second to begin tracking and takes even longer to start pulling. A 3-4 km launch with a positive closure rate will usually be your best shot of hitting the target. The 18 G maximum overload is insufficient for anymore than a flat tail chase and the overload is only enough to allow the missile to maintain lock while leading a target. The AIM-9G will nearly always go for flares as there is nearly no flare resistance. Having a long burn time, the AIM-9G does have an exceptional range for an IR missile. The trade off is that it will burn nearly all the way to the target and have an exceptionally long boost/sustain phase, making the missile very easy to detect. Overall the AIM-9G is not a dogfight missile and will not fill in all the gaps left by the Skyflash.

The [[AN/APG-59]] radar on the F-4J(UK) is a very average pulse-Doppler radar. Although you can theoretically get a radar lock on a target that is moving away from you at less that 540 km/h, the SARH missiles will have a difficult time getting a lock even if the radar is locked. Other than that the PD mode performs as you would expect, being especially potent in a head-on engagement.

If you are using this plane to grind out the UK tech tree, always bring at least 8 x 1,000 lb bombs. You will lose turn performance, however, your playstyle shouldn't change too much. the F-4J(UK) already is not competitive with other planes at this BR (in terms of turning performance) so when entering the merge, try and pick out a target you know has poor/no decent radar missiles. Other than that just take a few seconds to hit a base before turning back to reengage. Don't be afraid to Skyflash an enemy who is blocking your path to a base.

This combination of radar and missile leaves much to be desired and locks you into a less than optimal playstyle. The usual strategy is to go for head-on attacks to negate your lacklustre manoeuvrability and make the most out of your decent radar and missiles. But keep in mind you are almost always bringing a pistol to a long range sniper range. A competent opponent can easily roll out of the way of your missile and even then still might maintain a radar lock long enough to win the joust. The F-4J(UK) doesn't maneuver well enough to make a reliable last minute dodge so it is advisable to think ahead two steps when you anticipate a SARH joust. One thing you might want to get used to is pushing your nose down when dodging all aspect IR missiles. As your countermeasure pods fire directly upwards. The F-4J(UK) suffers from wing rip problems when pulling negative Gs so you will need to work out a techniques that works for you.

The best way to dodge long-mid range SARH shots and remain in position for the merge is to use hills and terrain features. The Phantom simply lacks the performance to pull multiple 90° turns and still be in a firing position for the merge. This is doubly important with any sort of bombload as you may find yourself struggling to notch within visual range distances (>20 km). If you miss the merge you will find yourself at the centre of a furball, attempting to outmaneuver significantly more agile and/or better-performing aircraft with much higher performance. Entering a fight at anything less than Mach 1 leaves you open to getting jumped by dedicated dogfighters without a clear way to escape.

Flying at treetop level will disrupt a radar lock by making the radar believe you are slightly lower than where you are (mistakes the ground below as part of the aircraft). This provides a safety from top-down attacks while still allowing you to maintain course for your own down-up SARH shots into the open sky.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The F-4J(UK) does not lock up at high speed
* Sturdy airframe: hard to overspeed and hard to rip wings in positive G turns
* Effective air-to-air Skyflash missiles
* Can take 8 missiles without sacrificing bomb load
* Has access to a pulse doppler radar for "look-down, shoot-down" performance
* Heavy and effective bomb load for bombing either bases or ground targets

'''Cons:'''

* Doesn't turn very well, worse so with suspended weaponry like gun pods
* Wings rip easily in negative G maneuvers
* Poor nose authority
* Skyflash missiles have relatively short range and can be kinetically dodged
* Skyflash missiles also have a tendency to not detonate or lose track at the last second
* AIM-9Gs fare poorly in dogfights and are easy to counter with flares

== History ==

In 1984, following the deployment of a squadron of Phantoms to the Falkland Islands, the UK government decided that the gap this left in the UK air defences needed to be filled. They therefore sought to purchase another squadron of Phantoms, but as the ones already in RAF service were a special production batch it would not be possible to have the new ones be identical. It was decided that 15 Phantoms would be obtained from ex-USN F-4Js that were in storage. The F-4J was chosen as it was the closest to the current RAF Phantoms.

Following an extensive refurbishment at NAS North Island, where the Phantoms were brought to nearly F-4S standard (lacking leading-edge slats and a Helmet Gun Sight) the planes were delivered to the UK.

The major difference between the F-4J(UK) and the other UK operated Phantoms was the different engines, with the F-4J(UK) retaining the General Electric J79-10B turbojet, instead of the Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan. Upon initial delivery, the Skyflash AAM and SUU-23A gun pod were not compatible, however this was quickly rectified. Despite modifications to allow them to integrate with the other Phantoms, the F-4J(UK)s retained the vast bulk of their American equipment, even requiring the crews to use American helmets.

Although the new Phantoms were technically designated F.3, they were generally referred to as the F-4J(UK) to avoid confusion with the in service Tornado F.3.

Assigned to 74 Squadron at RAF Wattisham, they stood up in October 1984, 2 months after their first flight. Remaining in service through the transition to Tornado and the F-4M Squadrons being replaced with Tornados, the F-4J(UK) was retired in January 1991.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4jk Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/8015-shop-pre-order-new-rank-vii-premium-jet-fighters-part-2-en|[Shop] Pre-order: new rank VII Premium jet fighters (part 2)]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Sea Harrier FRS.1

2023-12-24T17:34:11Z

U137567549: /* Details */

{{About
| about = squadron British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the regular version
| link-1 = Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e)
| usage-2 = other versions
| link-2 = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=harrier_frs1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a specialised version of the Hawker-Siddeley Harrier, designed for naval operations. It joined the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom in 1978 and gained fame for its role in the Falklands War in 1982, where it defended the fleet from enemy aircraft attacks with great success. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Sea Harriers shot down 21 Argentinean planes without losing any of their own, a remarkable accomplishment that demonstrated the superiority of the aircraft. In a subsequent upgrade, the Sea Harrier FRS.1 was equipped with a 2x2 Aim-9L configuration, further enhancing its air combat capabilities.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]]. The Sea Harrier is available as an option for rank VII through unlock as a squadron vehicle. It can present experienced pilots familiar with the GR.1/3 with a further improvement in the form of deadly AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles and a unique position as the only model of Harrier in-game with a search radar. Ultimately, the Sea Harrier builds on the strengths of the Harrier GR.3 with improved air-to-air combat capability. However this comes at a cost of being heavier and slightly more sluggish than its contemporaries. All in all, the Sea Harrier can be a powerful opponent in the hands of a veteran pilot and provides an almost preparatory experience for the [[Harrier GR.7]].

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

The Sea Harrier possesses a flight performance very similar to the aircraft it is derived from, the Harrier GR.3, possessing the same Pegasus 103 engine. It is worth noting however that the Sea Harrier carries additional weight in the form of the radar equipment within its nose and an altered aerodynamic profile to accommodate this.

Comparatively, the Sea Harrier turns more sluggishly than contemporary Harriers, but it still maintains the exceptional thrust and climb rate prevalent among its kind, able to climb up to lofty heights where it can maximise the range potential of its all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles. It comes with the same thrust vectoring of other Harriers allowing the aircraft to pull tighter turns and make split second adjustments at the cost of speed and energy.

{| 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
| 1,150 || 1,144 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.5 || 34.0 || 70.2 || 68.5 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,168 || 1,159 || 31.5 || 32.0 || 105.2 || 87.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue (drag) 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 829 || 556 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| 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="5" | 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="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.104 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,258 kg || colspan="3" | 462 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel
|-
| 1,650 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 6,959 kg || 7,661 kg || 8,363 kg || 8,593 kg || 11,409 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 9,150 kgf || 9,709 kgf
| 1.40 || 1.27 || 1.16 || 1.13 || 0.85
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 9,150 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,709 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.40 || 1.27 || 1.16 || 1.13 || 0.85
|-
|}

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


The Sea Harrier FRS.1 possesses no armour. All of its internal modules are arrayed in close proximity within the fuselage centred around the engine.

The Sea Harrier is not a sturdy aircraft and can be destroyed fairly easily owing to its compact assembly. However, if the damage taken is not enough to outright down the Harrier such as damage to flaps or wings, the Harrier can in an emergency leverage its thrust vectoring to compensate for lift lost from wing damage and limp back to the airfield for repair at the cost of being exceptionally vulnerable to enemy aircraft on the way.

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

As with most aircraft at the tier the Sea Harrier competes at, it is advisable to prioritise unlocking the Flare/Chaff upgrade to greatly increase survivability of the Harrier against very commonly encountered IR missiles. After which, pursuing the unlock of the Sea Harrier's own AIM-9L Sidewinder capability is highly recommended as this will encompass most of the jet's offensive capability when dealing with other aircraft.

A further advantageous unlock would be to acquire the 1,000 lb bombs which can be grabbed while prioritising the unlock of the AIM-9L's: these will allow unlocking further upgrades and RP by bombing bases before turning to engage enemy aircraft. Once sufficient weapons and countermeasures are unlocked then it is recommended to focus entirely on flight performance upgrades to make the most of the superb climbing and thrust of the Pegasus engine.

Recommended path:

Flares/Chaff -> 1000 LB bombs -> New Boosters -> AIM-9L -> Wings Repair -> Engine -> Compressor -> Cover -> Airframe -> Fuselage Repair -> G-suit > EFS -> Offensive 30 mm belts -> New 30 mm cannons -> Matra No7 Mk 1 rockets

== 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}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons + 60 x countermeasures

The 30 mm ADEN cannons are identical to those found on the GR.1/3 and the AV-8A/C found in the USA tech tree. These are very hard-hitting guns that can bring down an enemy aircraft with even glancing blows. However on the Harrier family they are often located low on the belly in an awkward spot, possess low muzzle velocity, and often very limited ammunition. They can however be used to great effect on larger aircraft such as A-10s or Su-25s when a quick and snappy burst needs to do fatal damage.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="6" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Harrier_GR.3.png]]</div>
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[RP]] rockets
| || 36 || || 36 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1, 2 || || || || 1, 2
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 72 x RP rockets
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 72 x RP rockets
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 72 x RP rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

'''AIM-9G Sidewinder missile:'''

The AIM-9G is a potent missile but may begin to feel a little lacklustre at the BR the Sea Harrier operates at. The stock missile option for the Sea Harrier and only able to hold 2 of them on wing-mounted pylons. 9Gs are rear-aspect only but come with a very large seeker cage, 18G of maximum overload and the option for radar-slaving which the Sea Harrier is uniquely able to capitalise on amongst its brethren Harriers. When employing these with the Harrier in particular, it is advisable to deploy them from an altitude advantage on unaware enemies.

'''AIM-9L Sidewinder missile''':

The AIM-9L is a further upgrade of the Sidewinder missile. It retains the radar-slaving capability of the 9G but with a much smaller seeker cage. However instead the 9L now enables the Sidewinder to have all-aspect functionality and up to 30G of maximum overload. This greatly enhances the killing and lock-acquiring capability of the missile with the added benefit of some flare-resistance which will be noticeable especially when firing from a rear-aspect on an aircraft with an afterburner. A potent missile which can be used more widely than the 9G with particular regards to the Sea Harrier, but again is very strong capitalising on the climb rate of the sea Harrier to be deployed almost in a 'sniping' way.

'''1000 LB Mk.13 bomb:'''

A common bomb found on British aircraft, the Mk.13 can be employed with the onboard CCIP to be accurately delivered and the Harrier can carry a maximum of 5 alongside its AAM loadout of choice. A full payload of these bombs can destroy a single base in Air battles and are sufficient to destroy enemy armoured vehicles in ground battles with a TNT explosive equivalent of 296.48 kg per bomb.

'''RP rocket:'''

The Harrier can carry up to 72 RP rockets, these rockets are simple and can be aimed using the onboard CCIP. Each rocket is equivalent to 691.2 g of TNT and will require multiple hits to damage light vehicles to the point of destruction. However with only 10 mm of penetration these rockets will see little to no effect on MBTs or more thoroughly armoured vehicles.

== Usage in battles ==


Use the Sea Harrier's quick takeoff and climb to ascend high above the normal altitude for battle, somewhere around 5-8 km depending on the map and approaching enemies. Due to the lacklustre turn capabilities and muzzle velocity of the cannons, it's not recommended to engage in dogfights. Instead, use your AIM-9Ls to your advantage and target enemies already engaged or simply oblivious to your presence above them. When done correctly and carefully, this can quietly get you 2-3 kills in a single flyout.

Your cannons are also effective at destroying ground targets which can provide extra RP and SL once your missiles are expended. The Sea Harrier may also carry unguided rockets or bombs for additional ground pounding at the further expense of performance. However, it's important to note that you are at a disadvantage at lower altitude since you cannot climb as fast as other jets at the BR, and it's hard to shake off and outrun an opponent once they're on your tail. MiG-21s, F-5s, and J35s will easily outmanoeuvre you, and A-10s, Su-25s and Su-22s, while slower, can still outturn you and easily put you in their sights.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Retains the great climb rate and thrust of earlier Harrier's
* Addition of a search radar that can be used to slave the AAM's the Harrier can bring for off-angle shots
* 4 powerful AIM-9L all-aspect missiles

'''Cons:'''

* Subsonic in a bracket mostly populated with supersonic aircraft
* Sluggish in its turn radius
* Engines will overheat if run for too long at 100% throttle, management is required
* Limited WEP

== 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_frs1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;[[Harrier (Family)|Other Harriers:]]

* [[Harrier GR.1]]
* [[Harrier GR.3]]
* [[Harrier GR.7]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8011-development-squadron-vehicles-sea-harrier-frs-1-en|[Devblog] Squadron vehicles: Sea Harrier FRS.1]]

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