Article Posted on : - Dec 16, 2010

A Harrier GR9 lands onboard HMS Ark Royal. File Photo by: LA (Phot) Luis Holden, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010.

LONDON (BNS): The Harrier, informally referred to as the Jump Jet, were official retired Wednesday, more than 40 years after they came into service.

The Harrier jets – which took part in operations in Sierre Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan, and which is still in service on US warships – flew over their base at RAF Cottesmore in the east Midlands for the last time.

A formation of 16 aircraft took to the skies over Lincolnshire, flying over seven RAF bases, Lincoln Cathedral and the towns of Stamford and Oakham.

The aircraft were first built in 1960 and entered into service with the RAF in 1969, becoming famous for their ability to take off and land vertically and to hover above the ground.

The RAF and Royal Navy Harrier squadrons joined forces in 2000 to form Joint Force Harrier, based at RAF Cottesmore.

"The Harrier is a true icon and stands testament to the innovation and excellence of British design and engineering, and the skill and courage of our airmen. It has had a truly distinguished service with both the RAF and the Royal Navy, from the South Atlantic to the skies over Afghanistan. It now takes its place in history as one of aviation's greats," Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell, was quoted as saying in an UK MoD news report.

The Illustrious class aircraft carrier, along with the Ark Royal, and the four remaining Type 22 frigates – HMS Chatham, Campbeltown, Cumberland and Cornwal, will be withdrawn from service as a result of the defence review Liam Fox, the defence secretary, announced Wednesday, as per media reports.