PDF Summary:Harrier 809, by Rowland White

In Harrier 809, author Rowland White provides an in-depth analysis of the Falklands War and the pivotal role played by the Royal Navy's Sea Harrier fighter jets. Through meticulous research, White examines the challenges faced by the British Task Force, from the logistical hurdles of operating 8,000 miles from their home base to the ever-present threat posed by the Argentinian Exocet missiles.

The book delves into the tactical decisions and intelligence efforts that shaped the aerial combat, highlighting the Sea Harrier's unique capabilities and limitations. White also explores the broader implications of the conflict, including the revival of Britain's naval aviation and the technological advancements that emerged in its aftermath.

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The operations were centered on providing air defense and executing strikes on ground targets in the vicinity of San Carlos.

Throughout the San Carlos conflict, the Sea Harriers consistently operated at the very limits of their performance capabilities. For three consecutive weeks, the squadrons stationed on the carrier withstood relentless attacks by Argentine planes such as the Dagger, Skyhawk, and Canberra, all while facing the constant danger posed by Super Etendards armed with Exocet missiles.

White underscores the skill and determination of the Sea Harrier pilots. The pilots' deep understanding of their aircraft's unique maneuverability and knowledge of weaponry and enemy tactics enabled them to inflict severe losses, which forces from Argentina found to be unsustainable.

The critical role of aerial surveillance and the danger presented by the Exocet missile system on the SuE aircraft.

The Task Force's air defenses, despite their multiple layers, were unable to thwart the Super Etendard and Exocet missile strike, which led to the loss of HMS Sheffield and nearly caused the demise of HMS Hermes. The Sea Harriers depended on the carriers' swift and effective deployment of their defensive missile systems, which included Sea Dart and Seawolf, to guard against far-off dangers, given their lack of early warning capabilities from the air.

The destruction of the Sheffield and the narrow escape experienced by the flagship intensified efforts to expedite the development of a sophisticated Airborne Early Warning system. While it would be August before a new helicopter-borne system, a hastily modified Westland Sea King, could be deployed aboard the carrier Illustrious, the radar and communications network set up in secret in Chile bought Sandy Woodward a little more time.

Other Perspectives

• The Sea Harrier's design for maritime operations may have led to compromises in other performance areas not directly related to naval engagements.
• The unexpected ability to engage in air battles above land could suggest a lack of foresight in design for multipurpose combat scenarios.
• Leveraging strengths and mitigating weaknesses is a common strategy in combat aviation and does not uniquely highlight the Sea Harrier's combat effectiveness.
• The Blue Fox radar's difficulties with ground clutter and low-level detection might have been a significant disadvantage against low-flying adversaries, questioning its effectiveness in certain combat situations.
• The AIM-9 Sidewinder Nine Lima's advancements, while significant, do not necessarily guarantee combat success, as missile performance also depends on pilot skill and tactical scenarios.
• The vectored thrust capability, while enhancing maneuverability, also increased mechanical complexity and maintenance demands, which could affect operational readiness.
• Superior maneuverability does not always translate to overall combat superiority, as factors like pilot training, tactics, and support systems play crucial roles.
• The cessation of Mirage III operations by the Argentine Air Force could be attributed to multiple factors, including but not limited to the Sea Harrier's performance.
• Operating at performance limits suggests that the Sea Harriers were pushed to their maximum, which could imply a risk of operational failure or loss in extended engagements.
• The significant losses inflicted on Argentine forces may not solely be attributed to the Sea Harrier pilots' skills but also to the broader context of the conflict, including intelligence, logistics, and support systems.
• The challenge posed by the Super Etendard and Exocet missile system indicates potential vulnerabilities in the Sea Harrier's defensive capabilities and the task force's overall air defense strategy.
• The development of an Airborne Early Warning system as a reaction to the Sheffield incident suggests a gap in pre-conflict strategic planning and defense preparedness.

The logistical and technological challenges originated due to the hostilities in the Falkland Islands.

The conflict that ensued caught the military forces of the UK by surprise due to its unexpected circumstances. White underscores the unique obstacles stemming from geographical constraints and logistical complexities encountered by the Task Force. The Harrier 809 encountered considerable logistical hurdles, tasked with missions in a combat zone 8,000 miles from its home base, in an area where it had to operate without extensive assistance from Britain's aerial warfare force, with these challenges exacerbated by meteorological conditions, the constrained size of the Task Force, dependence on a single resupply route, and the absence of alternate airstrips.

Operating from a base situated 8,000 miles distant from the primary hub posed considerable challenges in logistics.

The British Task Force depended on a solitary supply center, an island under British sovereignty, situated centrally in the Atlantic. The continuous transportation of military personnel and materials to the area of conflict by the Royal Air Force placed a significant strain on the solitary runway and its associated infrastructure on the island, situated 3,900 miles from Stanley and 3,300 miles from the United Kingdom.

The importance of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary should not be underestimated.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the incorporation of commercial ships conscripted via the STUFT initiative were vital to the continuous operations of the British Task Force in the South Atlantic. White emphasizes the crucial role played by the RFA's tankers, along with their supply vessels and maintenance vessels. Civilian vessels, such as the QE2 and others, including refrigerated vessels, played a crucial role in supporting military operations across the North Atlantic.

The task of refueling aircraft in flight, which was of utmost importance, was expertly executed by RAF Victor tankers.

The effectiveness of the British campaign was contingent upon their aircraft's ability to refuel mid-air. The indispensable Victor K.2 tankers, few in number yet vital for the mission, not only enabled the Vulcan bomber's assault on the airstrip at Port Stanley but also supported the deployment of SHARs and GR.3s at Ascension, all coordinated by the British air force. The destruction of the Atlantic Conveyor significantly increased the pressure on the aging V-bombers.

The crew members responsible for the Victor refueling aircraft, adept at managing lengthy Atlantic missions alongside bombers, encountered significant challenges when adapting to their new duties, exacerbated by vast distances, adverse weather conditions, and the complexities of refueling aircraft not intended for aerial refueling operations.

Ascension Island served as an essential base for the early stages and provided significant logistical support.

The British military's strategic combat maneuvers, executed an immense 8,000 miles from Britain, were heavily dependent on a lone airstrip on the remote island of Ascension in the middle of the Atlantic, famously referred to as Wideawake. The island functioned as a crucial stopover for RAF planes en route to the South Atlantic, while also serving as a staging area for US aircraft delivering supplies and weapons to the Task Force. The Royal Air Force faced a significant challenge in orchestrating the transfer of aircraft and ensuring the availability of fuel, ammunition, materials, spare components, and equipment.

Intelligence gathering was promptly initiated.

Having current information was essential for achieving success. The Task Force faced considerable peril, as it was devastatingly highlighted by the sinking of HMS Sheffield, due to insufficient detailed knowledge about the capabilities and strategies employed by the Argentine Air Force.

Operations known as SHUTTER, ACME, and FINGENT were conducted within Chilean territory by the British Royal Air Force.

The RAF, cognizant of the vulnerabilities of the Task Force, secretly undertook daring and unorthodox missions in Chile to gather information on Argentina's air and naval military strengths.

Concerns arose that the Daily Star might reveal details of the mission, leading to the cancellation of a planned operation that aimed to send Canberra PR.9 reconnaissance aircraft, with the capability to reach altitudes of 66,000 feet, on a photographic survey of enemy positions, troop gatherings, and defensive structures around Port Stanley airfield and across Argentine military air and naval bases in Tierra del Fuego. The lone Nimrod R.1 was sent to the remote San Félix Island with the mission of capturing Argentine radio communications and radar activities, yet it failed to accomplish this goal. The operation was abruptly halted when a Chilean aircraft targeted the Nimrod.

The mission known as Operation FINGENT, which was actually a covert arms trade, met with considerable success. The commanders of the Task Force had access to current intelligence on Argentine air movements, owing to a mobile RAF air defense radar system set up in southern Chile, which increased their monitoring capabilities significantly, extending over 200 miles beyond the air bases at Río Grande and Río Gallegos.

The importance of the information collected by American satellites.

Intelligence gathering through signal interception, often referred to as SIGINT, yielded vital information regarding the enemy's actions. The Task Force utilized the VORTEX satellite from the National Reconnaissance Office to monitor intercepted communications, thereby gaining insight into the strategic intentions and objectives of the Argentine forces.

The contribution of the British aviation division was substantial. Operating under the alias ACME in Chile, the Nimrod R.1 collected vital information via communication and electronic monitoring techniques. The troops led by Admiral Woodward secured a tactical upper hand by promptly identifying approaching attacks with the aid of radar surveillance.

The significance of Argentina's dependence on and vulnerability of its radar systems was considerable.

The Argentine Air Force's air surveillance and control group, known as Grupo 2, employed the sophisticated AN/TPS-43 radar from the United States, enhancing the nation's defensive prowess.

Its deployment at Port Stanley airfield allowed them to monitor the movements of British aircraft throughout the war, detecting Sea Harriers and Harriers as they approached and departed Falkland Sound, and alerting Argentine commanders to any change in British tactics. The intelligence played a pivotal role in undermining the British plans for an unexpected assault on the airfield and in directing Argentine bombers towards British ships.

Other Perspectives

• The UK military forces may not have been entirely caught by surprise, as there were tensions leading up to the conflict that could have served as warning signs.
• While geographical constraints were significant, the UK's naval prowess and experience in long-range operations could have mitigated some logistical complexities.
• The Task Force's size could be seen as a strategic choice to maintain agility and speed, rather than a mere constraint.
• The reliance on a single resupply route, while risky, may have been due to operational security concerns to avoid detection and interception.
• The Royal Fleet Auxiliary's role, while crucial, was part of a larger logistical network, and its importance should be viewed in the context of this broader support system.
• The effectiveness of in-flight refueling operations by RAF Victor tankers, while commendable, also highlights a potential over-reliance on aging equipment that could have been a strategic vulnerability.
• The use of Ascension Island was essential, but it also represented a single point of failure that could have been exploited by the adversary.
• The initiation of intelligence gathering was crucial, but the sinking of HMS Sheffield suggests that there may have been gaps in the intelligence or its application.
• Operations conducted in Chile, while innovative, raise questions about the respect for the sovereignty of neutral countries during wartime.
• The reliance on American satellite intelligence, while beneficial, suggests a dependency on foreign assets for critical intelligence capabilities.
• The significance of Argentina's radar systems implies that British electronic warfare and countermeasures may not have been as effective as they could have been.

Strategic decisions and intelligence efforts significantly influenced the conflict's resolution.

Argentine forces rapidly took control of the Falkland Islands, igniting a multifaceted conflict that compelled Britain to engage in a perilous and intricate military campaign, operating with scarce resources and without the proximity of allied support or infrastructure.

Britain's reaction was shaped by a multifaceted mix of political and diplomatic considerations.

The narrative of the book delves into the complex international and diplomatic hurdles faced throughout the crisis, highlighting the determination of Margaret Thatcher to recover the territory and the global efforts to resolve the conflict amicably. Sir Henry Leach, the First Sea Lord, significantly strengthened the Prime Minister's belief in the Navy's ability to successfully carry out the operation through his compelling support.

A maritime squadron was established under the command of the Naval Chief of Staff.

The initiative to dispatch a Naval Task Force to reclaim the Falkland Islands was spearheaded by Admiral Sir Henry Leach, in his capacity as the First Sea Lord. In Leach's view, the Navy suffered from misconceptions and a lack of recognition, particularly in the wake of the defense policy changes made in 1981. This situation offered the navy an essential opportunity to demonstrate their importance.

Leach's forthright assessment of Argentina's military strength and the preparedness of the Royal Navy swayed the government and secured Thatcher's backing for the Task Force's dispatch.

Support was provided by the United States.

The prospects for the United Kingdom to successfully retake the Falkland Islands would have been diminished, and logistical challenges would have been greater, particularly in maintaining aircraft and missile capabilities without support from the United States. The prompt and significant assistance from Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger played a vital role, though it frequently went unrecognized. However, the assistance in the form of AIM-9L Sidewinders, SATCOM radios, and satellite intelligence was crucial, it was also of paramount importance that France decided against aiding Argentina by incorporating their Dassault Super Etendards and Exocet missiles or supplying them with more missiles after an arms embargo was put in place.

Measures were taken to prevent Argentina from obtaining more Exocet missiles.

Argentina's deployment of the Exocet missile notably underscored the vulnerability of the British naval forces engaged in the conflict. The sinking of HMS Sheffield and the harm inflicted upon Hermes underscored their susceptibility. Working alongside its partners, the Royal Navy remained determined to prevent Argentina from obtaining more missiles, cognizant of the fact that the Super Etendards initially had the capacity for only five. Diplomatic efforts were made to persuade allied countries to delay or abandon their plans to acquire any Exocet missiles they had previously been interested in. The British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), in collaboration with countries sharing the UK's military goals, orchestrated a plan to impede the efforts of Argentina to obtain missiles via unofficial routes.

Decisive decisions that influenced the course of the air battle.

At the beginning of the conflict, the Argentine air and naval capabilities collectively surpassed those of the British forces. The efforts to impede the British forces through initial confrontations at sea and later at San Carlos did not succeed.

The Mirage III jets from Argentina were no longer engaged in combat air patrol missions.

The successful engagement and destruction of four Mirage IIIs by the Sea Harriers on the first day of the conflict had a considerable effect on the morale and tactical strategies of the Argentine Air Force. Commanders had to halt their combat air patrols to prepare their swift reaction planes for the possibility of further assaults by the RAF's nuclear-capable Avro Vulcan bombers.

The Sea Harriers frequently engaged in battles with solitary bombers. The threat to the Sea Harrier squadron and its associated carriers had been substantially reduced.

Argentine bombers carried out their operations without the accompaniment of fighter escorts.

After the Argentine A-4 withdrew from the confrontation with the Sea Harriers, The British naval vessels were targeted by Skyhawks and Daggers on their missions, which were conducted without the escort of Mirages armed with Sidewinder missiles. The mistake turned out to be deadly.

The Sea Harriers, although not designed for high-altitude interceptions, were capable of ascending to superior positions to confront and successfully shoot down the less swift Skyhawks and Daggers, whether they were in the midst of an attack or withdrawing. The naval forces of Britain effectively utilized Sea Dart and Seawolf projectiles to defend against solitary aerial attacks by Argentina.

The ambush was not effectively set up using the Type 64 Missile.

Admiral Woodward's belief that the informal 'Type 64,' a fusion of Type 42 and Type 22 capabilities, would successfully thwart Argentine attacks was ultimately proven incorrect. The objective was to bolster the defensive capabilities and enhance the command and control of the Sea Harriers by integrating the long-range missile capabilities of HMS Coventry with the close-in defensive prowess of HMS Broadsword's Seawolf system.

White, however, underscores the intrinsic shortcomings of both varieties of missile technology. The missile systems Sea Dart and Seawolf, while intended for long-range aerial defense, were not adequately rapid in response and had difficulties in differentiating between closely situated targets. The sinking of the Coventry highlighted the '64's inherent shortcomings.

The Falklands conflict marked the beginning of a new era for British naval aviation combat deployments.

The clash over the Falkland Islands underscored the critical importance of deploying aircraft carriers to extend military strength. In 1980, HMS Invincible was commissioned, and shortly thereafter, its sister ship Illustrious was launched, signifying the debut of the sophisticated Sea Harrier FRS.1. The British naval fleet, now diminished to a mere two aircraft carriers, was equipped with a scant selection of aircraft capable of ascending and descending vertically or on short runways. In 1966, as Britain announced its intention to withdraw its military presence from regions east of the Suez Canal, Defence Secretary Denis Healey simultaneously halted the Navy's plans for a fleet of cutting-edge aircraft carriers. The introduction of the through-deck cruiser, a vessel that was more cost-effective and smaller in scale, was intended to enhance the utilization of helicopters and the Maritime Harrier.

The 'Sea Harrier' evolved from a mere exhibition aircraft to one that was proven in the crucible of combat.

In 1982, the Sea Harrier had not yet demonstrated its combat capabilities, and at first, the top pilots of the Fleet Air Arm regarded it as an inferior type of fighter aircraft. Numerous people believed that retiring the well-armed and fast F-4 Phantom in favor of the Sea Harrier was a mistake, given that the latter was less heavily armed, slower, and had a more limited operational reach. The jet's performance was thoroughly evaluated during the Falklands conflict. And it passed with flying colors.

The SHAR's reliability, unique maneuverability, and its vertical landing capability were crucial factors that not only facilitated its operation from a commandeered cargo vessel but also played a pivotal role in establishing aerial superiority over the archipelago. The conflict's result cemented the Sea Harrier's reputation as an impressive fighter, guaranteeing its ongoing deployment and restoring trust among naval aviators. A key lesson from the conflict underscored the importance of creating systems for the swift identification of threats from the air.

The importance of a skyward alert mechanism known as Project LAST.

The decommissioning of the Royal Navy's large aircraft carriers, which were outfitted with sophisticated radar and airborne early warning systems like the Gannet, markedly diminished its defensive prowess. The Exocet missile's catastrophic strike on HMS Sheffield highlighted the Task Force's vulnerability to long-range air attacks, leading to the swift initiation of Project LAST, which was focused on developing and implementing a sophisticated early warning system against aerial threats using helicopters.

Three months following their first mission, HMS Illustrious arrived in the South Atlantic, equipped with two of the recently incorporated AEW.2 Sea Kings.

The reestablishment of the 809 Squadron is characterized by the introduction of the F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

In 2013, it was announced that 809 Naval Air Squadron would be brought back into active service, equipped with the cutting-edge F-35B Lightning, a fifth-generation stealth fighter capable of supersonic flight and vertical takeoffs and landings. 809 Naval Air Squadron, akin to a legendary phoenix reborn from ashes, would witness a revival on the newly commissioned vessels belonging to the Queen Elizabeth class of the Royal Navy, each with a displacement of 60,000 tons.

Tim Gedge demonstrated his dedication through his supervision of the Navy's sophisticated vertical take-off aircraft in 1982, an effort that resulted in the establishment of a new Sea Harrier squadron and set the stage for the evolution of the Sea Harrier's successor, ultimately influencing the creation of the F-35B.

Other Perspectives

• While strategic decisions and intelligence efforts were crucial, the role of logistical execution and the resilience of the troops on the ground should not be underestimated in influencing the conflict's resolution.
• The political and diplomatic considerations shaping Britain's reaction could also be critiqued for potentially overlooking longer-term regional implications and the perspectives of the Falkland Islanders themselves.
• The establishment of a maritime squadron under the Naval Chief of Staff may have been a strategic necessity, but it could be argued that it also reflected the UK's desire to maintain a certain image of naval power, which may not have been the most cost-effective approach.
• The support provided by the United States was indeed significant, but this could be viewed as a reflection of geopolitical interests rather than a purely altruistic support for the UK, potentially affecting international relations in the region.
• The efforts to prevent Argentina from obtaining more Exocet missiles, while tactically sound, could be seen as an arms race escalation that might have provoked further militarization in the region.
• The decisions that influenced the course of the air battle may have been decisive, but they also exposed limitations in British air defenses that could have had severe consequences had Argentina's air force been better equipped or trained.
• The withdrawal of Mirage III jets from combat air patrol missions by Argentina might have been a tactical error, but it could also suggest a need for better strategic planning and reconnaissance capabilities within the Argentine forces.
• The operation of Argentine bombers without fighter escorts was a critical mistake, but it also raises questions about the intelligence and command structure that led to such a decision.
• The failure of the Type 64 Missile ambush setup could be criticized as a lack of foresight and adaptability in British defensive tactics.
• The Falklands conflict's role in marking a new era for British naval aviation could be seen as an overemphasis on military solutions to international disputes, potentially neglecting diplomatic avenues.
• The evolution of the 'Sea Harrier' from an exhibition aircraft to a combat-proven platform may overshadow the need for a diverse and balanced air force, rather than reliance on a single type of aircraft.
• The implementation of Project LAST, while crucial, could be critiqued for being a reactive rather than proactive approach to defense, highlighting a gap in capabilities that should have been addressed earlier.
• The reestablishment of the 809 Squadron with F-35B Lightning II aircraft, while a significant advancement, could be questioned from a budgetary perspective, especially considering the high costs associated with fifth-generation fighters.