Harrier handover: RAF 'machine that defied convention' given to Ulster flying museum in historic move by air force chief
One of the most legendary British fighter planes is now in the hands of an Ulster flying museum after a historic handover.
The Harrier jump jet was the world’s first vertical take-off and landing attack aircraft, and quickly became the RAF’s most iconic name of the late 20th century – the sight of its rotating engine nozzles, allowing the plane to take off straight up before jetting away at high speed into danger, becoming synonymous with UK air power.
Even now, many years after it was retired from service, the Harrier still occupies a slot as one of the UK’s best known military planes, ranking up there with the Spitfire.
And the Ulster Aviation Society can now boast that it has its very own ex-RAF Harrier, personally handed over by the Ulsterman who last year took over as head of the Air Force.
Originally from Lurgan in Co Armagh, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth holds the position of Chief of the RAF’s Air Staff. He spent 15 years flying Harriers in daring missions, and this week visited the aviation society’s hangar at the former site of the Maze prison to deliver the aircraft.
In a special ceremony on April 1, the RAF’s 108th birthday, he said: The Ulster Aviation Society is a bright shining jewel in the crown of Northern Ireland, and I’m incredibly proud to be a small part of it.
“The Harrier was not simply a jet fighter, it was a machine that defied convention. There is no other aircraft like it in the world.”
The Air Force leader is also a patron of the aviation society, and was directly responsible for securing its place in their collection through the RAF’s heritage gifting programme.
Said society chairman Ray Burrows: “We are thrilled to be able to add this Harrier to our world class collection and thank the RAF, and Air Chief Marshal Smyth, for making it happen.
“Harv promotes us, and Northern Ireland, every chance he gets – we couldn’t wish for a better patron.”
An RAF Typhoon jet from 1(Fighter) Squadron marked the occasion with a flypast over the site. The squadron was the first in the world to operate the Harrier, starting in 1969 and ending in 2010, shortly before they were reformed as a Typhoon squadron.
Among the guests was deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who described the handover as a historic moment for aviation heritage in Northern Ireland.
“It is especially fitting that Sir Harv Smyth was here in person to mark the occasion,” she said.
“This recognition at such a senior level is a testament to the exceptional work of the Ulster Aviation Society. The dedication and passion of its volunteers have created an incredible collection, preserving our rich aviation heritage for future generations.
“I want to pay particular tribute to the entire team whose commitment has made days like this possible. This is a proud moment not only for the society, but for Northern Ireland as a whole.”
The society’s museum on the former Maze site near Lisburn boasts an enviable collection of planes, helicopters and vehicles, from a 1911 Ferguson Flyer to Second World War fighters, to craft built in Ulster by Short Bros and modern fast jets.