OVERVIEW: The Harrier GR.3 belongs to the first generation of the Harrier family, a single-engine, subsonic, V/STOL strike and reconnaissance aircraft developed for close air support and forward-deployed operations. It featured sensor and survivability upgrades over earlier Harrier models and was widely used during the Falklands War.

DETAILS: The GR.3 was powered by the Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 103 vectored-thrust turbofan engine, providing thrust for vertical and short takeoff and landing. It had five external hardpoints and could carry bombs, rocket pods, external fuel tanks, and reconnaissance equipment. The GR.3 introduced a lengthened nose housing the Ferranti LRMTS (Laser Rangefinder and Marked Target Seeker), and the tail fin was equipped with the ARI.18223 passive radar warning receiver for threat detection. It also featured chaff and flare dispensers for self-protection and had a top speed of approximately Mach 0.94.

The "GR" stands for "Ground attack and Reconnaissance." Compared to the earlier GR.1A, the GR.3 added a laser rangefinder/seeker for improved targeting, passive RWR for threat detection, and infrared suppressive paint to reduce heat signature. It did not have a radar system and relied on visual and laser-guided aiming systems.

TYPE: V/STOL ground-attack and reconnaissance aircraft

FUNCTION: The GR.3 was primarily used for close air support and tactical strike missions, particularly from short or improvised forward operating bases. During the Falklands War, it operated from both land and aircraft carriers, enabling quick response and flexible deployment near the front lines.

NOTE:
IOC: Harrier GR.3 UK: 1977
Operators: United Kingdom
Conflict used in: Falklands War (1982)

SOURCE:
Royal Air Force Museum ; UK National Archives: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawker_Siddeley_Harrier