British Sea Harrier FA.2

ZD615 / OEU-712, No.899 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Invincible, Bsnia Conflct, 1994.

General Background

The BAe Sea Harrier FRS1 first entered service with the Royal Navy in April 1980. The aircraft is a naval VTOL/VSTOL jet fighter designed for reconnaissance and attack roles. In 1993 an improved variant of the Sea Harrier was produced as the FA.2 with a more powerful engine, improved air-to-air capabilities and weapons options. The FA.2 was produced until 1998 and continued in service until 2006 when it was replaced by the Harrier GR9. 56 FA.2 Sea Harriers were produced for the Royal Navy.

The Aircraft

FRS1 ZD615 joined the Royal Navy P3 on June 19, 1986. In August 1993 ZD615 was converted to an FA.2 and assigned to HMS Invincible that periodically deployed in support of the conflict in Bosnia and Operation Deny Flight. In 2002 ZD615 went into storage for over 3 years before being fully restored. In 2009 the aircraft was sold and displayed at an energy company's office in Calgary Canada before becoming a lawn ornament at the home of the energy company's president in Red Deer Alberta Canada.