What I’ve been told is that the twin stores carriers stopped being used just because they didn’t safely separate from the aircraft in the event of the carrier being jettisoned. I don’t know whether this was only when they were empty, or with stores as well. Either way, they were restricted to emergency/wartime use for the aircraft that were certified to carry them. And that’s why you practically never see photos of them being carried outside of e.g weapon trials.
Even during the Gulf War it appears only the Saudis carried them on Tornado, and the RAF had either chosen not to or got rid of them by then (entirely possible we just gave them to the Saudis). So effectively they were no longer used by the UK by the early-to-mid 1990s when Sea Harrier FA.2 was introduced to service.
At some point it’s likely that aircraft were never even certified with them in the first place because of the known risk associated with them that might delay the aircraft’s entry in to service. But as you say, it’s almost certain that the FA.2 would have been able to use them as much as the other 1st Gen Harrier airframes could.
No, it is a proposal from BAe for a Sea Harrier FA.2 replacement after it was retired, called Harrier III.
I created a forum on it, search on my profile to find it.
Extremely excited for the FA.2, is it too ambitious to think the update will drop next week?
@Gunjob I know the Devs have made MFDs more realistic with better utility, any word if this will extend to cockpit warning lights and such? Plenty of these in the Shar!
Oh I’m aware of that but I hold very little hope. Think it took over a year for the Viggen to get it’s gun piper, can’t imagine they’ll be in a rush for the Shars. I’m guessing their argument will be that at least it has a “functioning” HUD. Even the Tonka still doesn’t have radar target identification without cueing a missile, how long has that been? And it’s an absolute necessity in SB.
