We are at RAF WITTERING to visit the gate guard, the Harrier GR7. This base was known in history as the home of the Harrier. For those that don’t know, the Harrier was a VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) / VSTOL aircraft and was able to takeoff and land vertically like a helicopter.
Pilots learning the to fly the Harrier start their training in a helicopter. Their training was 2 weeks at Shawbury learning to fly a helicopter first, simulator work and could be about 4 weeks before a pilot even goes near the Harrier.
The GR7, similar to Hawker Siddley Harrier GR1 which ended service in 1969, went into partnership with McDonnell Douglas, and the results were more than double the capabilities of the GR1.
In 1969, the Harrier arrived at RAF WITTERING and it served there for over 40 years, being involved in almost every major UK conflict including the Falklands, Gulf War Two, the Balkans and Afghanistan. No 1 Fighter squadron arrived in august of 1969. No 1 sqn, left wittering for Cottesmore in 2000, but wittering had the Harrier no 4(R) OCU which remained. No 1 squadron is now stationed at Lossimouth as a QRA with ted’s fave, the Typhoon.
On 1st September 1992 223 OCU was renumbered to 20 (R) Squadron. During the squadron’s time at RAF Wittering, It became part of the Joint Force Harrier and also flew the Harrier GR7 for display at Airshows. Flt Lt Dave Haines of 20 (R) OCU, flew the Harrier GR7 at the Shoreham Air Show and further in the video you will be able to see some clips of the display.
It was in Afghanistan that pretty much ended the service of the gate guardian Harrier GR7 ZD469, nicknamed Christine. Don’t think you are safe just because it is non flying and chained down… it has even got a kill as a gate guardian!
Nicknamed Christine after the Stephen king’s movie of a possessed killer car Christine, it has had a history of bad luck. Falling off the jacks during maintenance work, injuring technicians and maintenance personal, hitting power lines in Norway, but what should have ended its run of bad luck in 2005 after suffering damage during a rocket attack on Kandahar airbase in Afghanistan, it kept going. It was totalled and beyond economical repair. But, it was decided to put her to good use. It was repaired externally to look pretty from the outside and was taken to RAF COTTESMORE as a ground instructional airframe. Then in 2011, ZD469 came to be the gate guard in at Wittering.
However, Christine has claimed a kill as a gate guard. Yes that’s right, and it even has a kill marking! In 2018 a car lost control on the A1 and crashed into Harrier, totalling the car. The missile ripped right through the windscreen, nearly taking out the driver’s head. The driver survived. You can see the kill marking dedicated to destroying the car on the portside of the aircraft. The Harrier had some damage, but was decided to be fixed up again and STILL be the gate guard.
The GR7 had a max speed of around 662mph, 50000ft service height, wingspan of 9,25m which is a good metre less than Ted’s Typhoon. It was also packed with armament; 2 cannons, sidewinder and maverick missiles, pave way bombs, laser guided bombs and lots more.
It still is a much missed and much loved BRITISH AIRCRAFT…
Remember, please ask permission before approaching and taking photographs of ANY gate guardian. Always ask permission from the station guards, who will be happy to assist.
Yes, it’s true, the TED CONINGSBY SQUADRON patch is now available on PRE-ORDER and will be ready mid JANUARY 2022. Superbly made by SQUADRON PRINTS, who supply genuine RAF patches, this is exciting times for everyone who has been supporting Ted throughout his journey. You can order your patch at www.tedconingsby.co.uk
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Footage details and credits:
FLT LT Dave Haines Display footage from:
beaconoutbo...
CREDIT: beaconoutbound
RIAT Display footage:
• Classic Jet and Fighte...
CREDIT: @planestv
Vehicle crashing into Harrier news article:
www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/n...
RAF Wittering
www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisati...
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30 дек 2021
