Sea Harrier with a nuke

Mike Pryce

Mike Pryce

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A few years ago I recall seeing a picture of a Sea Harrier with a WE.177 nuclear weapon in a book. I think it was:

Keeping the Peace - The Aldermaston Story by David J Hawkings

Can anyone confirm this? I'd like to trace the pic.

As I understand it they would have used the WE.177 both for attacking ports etc. and for depth charging subs (if no helo could do it), using the IFF signal from the SHAR to locate its position, correlate with ship/helo sonar plot of the sub and then 'kaboom'!

I know there are pics in Laming's Buccanneer book showing WE.177 being dropped from a Bucc., but any other pics of it on the SHAR or any other aircraft anyone has seen?
 
Mike Pryce said:
Have to wonder what sortie/scenario would require a nuke and four Sidewinders. A pretty lively situation.
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I assume the Sidewinders are there for self-defence or for breaking into hostile territory and breaking out again.
 
Wyvern said:
Mike Pryce said:
Have to wonder what sortie/scenario would require a nuke and four Sidewinders. A pretty lively situation.
Click to expand...
I assume the Sidewinders are there for self-defence or for breaking into hostile territory and breaking out again.
Click to expand...
Yes, I guess nuking people tends to rile them up.

An escort for a bomber may make more sense. The pilot of the bomber would probably be busy with switches and checking the map in case of 'oops'.
 
Chris Gibson's book 'Nimrod's Genesis' would give a good clue as to why a Sea Harrier would be dropping a nuke. And for the Sidewinders, some submarines had a missile self defense system.
 

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