OVERVIEW: The Harrier T.4A belongs to the first generation of the Harrier family, a subsonic, twin-seat trainer, V/STOL (Vertical and/or Short Take-Off and Landin) aircraft based on the GR.3 combat variant and used by the Royal Air Force for pilot conversion training. It lacks the combat laser seeker and radar warning receiver fitted to the T.4 to reduce weight and complexity.

DETAILS: The T.4A entered service in 1977, converted from the T.4 trainer as a lightweight variant dedicated to flight and V/STOL training . It retains the stretched fuselage and taller fin of the T.4 to accommodate dual cockpits. It is powered by the Pegasus Mk 103 engine (~21,500 lbf thrust), the same as the GR.3 and T.4 . The aircraft has five to seven underwing hardpoints but normally carries no weapons; training pods or drop tanks could be fitted . It lacks the T.4’s laser seeker and tail radar-warning gear ("empty" fairing only) . Navigation and safety avionics match the T.4 trainer standard. Max speed approximately Mach 0.9 and service ceiling similar to other Pegasus Mk 103 Harriers.

The “T” designation indicates a trainer. The T.4A is distinguished from the T.4 by removal of combat sensors for focused pilot instruction flights. It maintained handling and performance representative of frontline Harrier GR.3s.

The T.4A was used by RAF Operational Conversion Units for advanced Harrier training, enabling transition to combat variants without risking operational aircraft.

TYPE: V/STOL trainer and conversion aircraft

FUNCTION: Pilot conversion training on Harrier operations, including V/STOL handling and basic weapons delivery procedures (with inert or practice stores).

NOTE:
IOC: 1977 (T.4/A) | 1973 (GR.3)
Operators: United Kingdom
Manufacturer: British Aerospace (United Kingdom)
Conflict used in: None (trainer variant)

SOURCE:
cmano-db.com: https://cmano-db.com/aircraft/5095/ ; British Aircraft Restoration Company: https://www.bcar.org.uk/bae-harrier ; Hawker Siddeley Harrier variants list (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Harrier_variants ; Hawker Siddeley Harrier training variants overview: https://www.hyperscale.com/2017/reviews/kits/kinetick48040reviewbg_1.htm