BAE Sea Harrier F.3 (another revised designation)

[kitnut617]

Here's a new project I got thinking about, the RN realized that they needed a long range intercept capability for their carriers, the ideal solution would have been an aircraft with Phoenix but not being able to procure this system, the Navy decided to develop their own.  A consortium of Thorn/Ferranti developed a highly capable system where they modified a Martel missile into a long range AIM controlled by a phased-array radar, the package being a complete missile/radar combination.  The only kink to the plan was it needed a two-man aircraft.

The requirement was very urgent considering what was envisioned to happen on the global environment, so a quick solution was needed.  Plus with the uncertainty of the F-35 ever getting into production, BAE proposed an intrim aircraft for the system, the Sea Harrier F.14  (not sure if it would have been an F.13 [superstition    ]).  This would be a highly modified T.10/T.12 with the new radar system installed plus two of the new missiles.

So here's what I'm planning, give a T.10/TAV-8B a new nose (actually from an F-4E) which required the forward fuselage to be widened slightly, a fuselage plug behind the wing (length to be determined LOL ) , I'm only giving it two pylons to each wing, for fuel tank and missile, plus the centerline pylon for a data-link pod (I'll explain that later on).  The rear cockpit will be changed to represent the radar station (left-over items from a Prowler set I have).

I was going to use some Martels from a Buccaneer but then I found some similar missiles in the Airfix MRCA kit, only I'm not sure what they are.  Top pic shows a comparison of the Phoenix, Martel and these other ones (white ones), anyone have a clue what they might be?

[Weaver]

Interesting project: I think both your Airfix missiles are meant to be Martels. The only similar thing I can think of that might be in an MRCA kit would be Kormorans, but they have swept wing trailing edges are straight rear body instead of a tapered one.

[Mossie]

Yeah, the white missiles seem to be Martel too, but appear more accurate in proportion.  The missiles from the Bucc kit look too short.  I'm pretty sure they're not Sea Eagle, which is longer than Martel, has a blunter nose & an intake scoop for the turbojet.

[Army of One]

Oh looking great so far....loving this.....any idea of colour scheme/sqn markings? The missiles in the Bucc kit seem to have a choice of 3 different nose cones...2 diff pointy ones and 3 blunt caps.....I'm sure load out was 3 missiles n a data link pod which I think is supplied.......

[kitnut617]

Oh looking great so far....loving this.....any idea of colour scheme/sqn markings? The missiles in the Bucc kit seem to have a choice of 3 different nose cones...2 diff pointy ones and 3 blunt caps.....I'm sure load out was 3 missiles n a data link pod which I think is supplied.......

There's not a lot of choice for a colour, but I'm thinking it will have to be late Sea Harrier greys.  I've got a few Harrier decal sheets which have quite a few Sea Harrier options, but I think I'll use the 801 Sqn ones from the Model Alliance 'UK Air Arm Update 2005-2006' sheet. It's for an FA.2 really.

[Mossie]

Oh looking great so far....loving this.....any idea of colour scheme/sqn markings? The missiles in the Bucc kit seem to have a choice of 3 different nose cones...2 diff pointy ones and 3 blunt caps.....I'm sure load out was 3 missiles n a data link pod which I think is supplied.......

There are options for TV Martel (blunt cone), Radar Martel (short pointy cone) & Sea Eagle (long pointy cone, with extra intake).  The missiles aren't given as an option in the instructions of the new release.

[sandiego89]

Fantastic, love the two seat Harrier/Sea Harrier!

What is the time frame for your WHIF?  2010 or the past?  Perhaps AIM-120 might be a better fit?

You will have to address an engine upgrade in the backstory at least (nothing in plastic, except perhaps some zero scarf front nozzels if you desire), as the bringback capability with even the single seater was marginal in the later days.  The heavier nose, second seat, plug, big tanks and weapons would make for a tired Pegasus. 

I went for a spine mounted radar, to preserve sensitive center of gravity and airflow concerns for an urgent Falklands AEW capabilty. 

Keep it going!     

[Hobbes]

Interesting idea. Isn't Martel a subsonic missile, though? As an alternative, you cold go with an air-launched version of Sea Dart; either the original proposal (which used the Sea Dart body with larger wings), or a hypothetical version with smaller wings (maybe long strakes instead of triangular wings) to make it take up less space.

[ChernayaAkula]

That nose looks very good on a twin-sticker Harrier! 

[kitnut617]

Thanks everyone ---

Interesting idea. Isn't Martel a subsonic missile, though? As an alternative, you cold go with an air-launched version of Sea Dart; either the original proposal (which used the Sea Dart body with larger wings), or a hypothetical version with smaller wings (maybe long strakes instead of triangular wings) to make it take up less space.

I'm not sure of it's speed Hobbes, I'll have to have a re-read of my copy of BSP, Hypersonics etc.  But all I was thinking here was that the airframe of the missile would be used, the internals would be totally different.  I looked at a number of existing missiles which the RAF/RN uses and the Martel is the nearest to the Phoenix in size (and weight I think) so that's why I chose it.  But you're right, there are other options, this was the easest because I've got a bunch of them in the spares box.

sandiego89, I'm thinking time frame is now ---,  and the idea is to have something on par with the Phoenix, 100 miles or something like that.  I don't think the AIM-120 goes that far.  Engine upgrades will have to be addressed, at least the equivalent to what the GR.9's are getting.  I don't want to get into the bigger proposed engine as that would mean the aircraft wouldn't be a converted T.10, but a totally new aircraft.

[Army of One]

Oh looking great so far....loving this.....any idea of colour scheme/sqn markings? The missiles in the Bucc kit seem to have a choice of 3 different nose cones...2 diff pointy ones and 3 blunt caps.....I'm sure load out was 3 missiles n a data link pod which I think is supplied.......

There are options for TV Martel (blunt cone), Radar Martel (short pointy cone) & Sea Eagle (long pointy cone, with extra intake).  The missiles aren't given as an option in the instructions of the new release.

So.......to make 4 sea eagles, I use the missile bodies with the long pointy cone and I take it parts 59/60/61/62 (intakes??) as they are four parts not used in the build?

[kitnut617]

So.......to make 4 sea eagles, I use the missile bodies with the long pointy cone and I take it parts 59/60/61/62 (intakes??) as they are four parts not used in the build?

Yes I think that's right Ao1.


I've refined the nose a bit, I tilted it down a touch, lined up the top profile which then leaves a small area to fill with putty on the bottom. This would then straighten out the bottom profile to where the bottom dips down for the front seat anyway

[buzzbomb]

great project so far

[Army of One]

Many thanks for that......looking forward to the finished item

[Taiidantomcat]

Can't get enough of the Harrier. This looks wonderful