What is the future of the harrier

[Huggy Bear]

HeyJoe's sea harrier thread got me to wondering (and I didn't want to threadjack). I have long since lost touch with friends who went off to fly it. What's the word in that community; is it gonna be around for awhile?

 

[HeyJoe]

HeyJoe's sea harrier thread got me to wondering (and I didn't want to threadjack). I have long since lost touch with friends who went off to fly it. What's the word in that community; is it gonna be around for awhile?

Until JSF (F-35B) replaces it and the F/A-18 in USMC service. See the USMC AvPlan for transition plan (on DC Air website).

 

[mmx1]

I have heard rumbling that they may stick around a bit longer than the F/A-18 since the latter's airframes are wearing out at a faster rate and may get first priority for the JSF.

 

[Waldo]

The Harrier will be around for about another 15 years... unless we crash them all first.