Hawker Siddeley Aviation, now flying its first production Harrier VTOL strike fighter, along with six pre-production models, plans to increase Harrier performance with improvements in its Bristol Siddeley Pegasus 6 engine. Thrust will be increased from the current 19,000 lb., although much of the program hinges on government approval of a $10-million research and development request. Second phase will be a 50% increase in water injection for higher turbine temperatures.
Front fan mass flow will be increased from 418 to 444 lb./sec. to increase thrust 5%. Testing of the Harrier has included the firing of Sneb 68-mm. rockets from wing-mounted Engins Matra launchers. Tropical flight trials in Sicily have been completed.
Hawker Siddeley also is developing a tandem two-seat version of the Harrier for flight this year. The company said it is preparing an export drive for the Harrier, with deliveries possible in 1970, after a British Royal Air Force order for 60 is filled. Price is $2.8 million each. Initial export targets are Italy and Germany, and Israel reportedly asked British government permission to buy 60 Harriers.