A BAE Systems Harrier GR7 from the UK's RAF will show off its impressive level of manoeuvrability in dramatic style during the daily flying display at Dubai.
The highlight of the display is the famous ‘bow' when the aircraft comes to a halt, hovering 150ft (45m) above the ground before turning on the spot and ‘bowing' to spectators. During this manoeuvre the aircraft needs to produce 21,500lb (95kN) of thrust to suspend the aircraft in the air, enough power to move the equivalent of 12 family cars.
Flying the aircraft at Dubai is Flight Lieutenant Chris Margiotta who is based at RAF Wittering. He has more than 1,000h on the Harrier, gained in operations over Bosnia, Kosovo and Sierra Leone and exercises in the USA, Canada, Oman, Norway, France and Spain.
His routine will demonstrate the capability of the aircraft, including high and low-speed manoeuvres. The aircraft is supported by a dedicated team of engineers, led by Squadron Leader Paul Wharmby.
The Harrier family of aircraft first flew in 1960, and today the GR7 continues to play a significant role within the RAF and within other air forces worldwide. British Harriers were deployed in Iraq and have served in conflicts since the Falklands in 1982.
Source: Flight Daily News
