Latest Sea Harrier variant - Indian LUSH

[Mike Pryce]

FYI some links to images of the Indian Limited Upgrade Sea Harrier (LUSH).

Images with outboard missile rails with one Magic and one Israeli Derby Missile, taken on board INS Viraat (ex-Hermes):

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Galleries/5267-1/viraat01+039.jpg

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Galleries/5303-2/viraat01+057_1_.jpg

Webpage showing new radome for Elta EL/M 2032 radar:

http://livefist.blogspot.com/2010/02/photos-limited-upgrade-sea-harrier-lush.html

So, 50 years on from the first P.1127 flight, and probably the last 'new' variant appears, a long way from Kingston/Dunsfold!

 

[Mike Pryce]

LUSH/Elta patch:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o_no4M2xEPY/So67pmXzpmI/AAAAAAAAH90/mPT5WcjKmPo/s1600/!B(BwwjgBWk~%24(KGrHgoH-DsEjlLl0BVjBK,MOVvRE!~~_12.jpg

Seems to indicate a different radome to that in photos, more like the F/A.2.

Anyone able to compare the photos of the LUSH aircraft linked to above to an 'old' FRS.51 with Blue Fox (using some imaging software maybe) to see if the radome is indeed different or if it is the grey colour that makes it look longer (to me!) than the old black radome? E.g.:

http://www.acig.org/artman/uploads/shar_simba3.jpg

 

[Jemiba]

At first glance, it still seems to be the same radom, although taking into account the
perspective distortion it could be a little bit longer. But if there actually is a difference,
it's a very small one, I think.

 

[Mike Pryce]

Yes, I think it may be the same size/shape. In a limited upgrade that would save on new flight testing etc., although colour change indicates new radomes.

 

[SteveO]

April 2020 article about the Indian Limited Upgrade Sea Harrier (LUSH) program. https://www.livefistdefence.com/202...this-terrific-indian-sea-harrier-picture.html