BAE Harrier GR7 'Snow Falcon'
1/72 No.1 Squadron RAF, Norway Excercises 2002



The BAE Systems/Boeing Harrier II (GR5, GR7, and GR9 series) is a second generation vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet aircraft used by the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and, since 2006, the Royal Navy. It was developed from the earlier Hawker Siddeley Harrier and is closely related to the U.S.-built AV-8B Harrier II. Both are primarily used for light attack or multi-role tasks, and are often operated from small aircraft carriers.

The kit I used was the 1/72 scale Airfix A94039. The Harrier is an oft modelled plane... but I was very taken by the unusual 'Snow Falcon' colour scheme. The kit was very basic with a lot of excess plastic on the sprued parts that needed removing.






The assembly was straightforward. The snow / rock camouflage was a little tricky but I managed it in the end. I next made all the armaments and fuel tanks. For a small plane like the Harrier, it sure has a lot under its wings! While modelling, I made a little 'research' trip to the RAF Museum Hendon (London) to have a look at the Harrier on display .









The canopy proved very tricky as it just wasn't the right shape! Wish Airfix was as good as Hasewaga or Tamaiya in quality! I had to go through 2 further kits to get a canopy that just about managed to fit right.


Finally, I mounted the Harrier on a stand I found in a box of spares to end up with a very pleasing looking model indeed!