Spanish Harrier returns to Yeovilton Air Day

The sight and sound of the iconic Harrier ‘jump jet’ will once again grace the sky over RNAS Yeovilton on Saturday 13 July. The Spanish Navy Harriers are making their first Royal Navy International Air Day appearance in ten years.

Spanish Harrier Demo.

The EAV-8B Harrier II Plus from 9 Squadron, based at Rota Naval Base, will display some of the type’s legendary capabilities of hovering, turning on the spot, flying backwards and sideways and landing vertically. A second Spanish Navy Harrier will be positioned in the fly/static park to give visitors a closer look.

For many years a Harrier was amongst the highlights of any UK airshows’ flying programme before the type was retired nearly a decade ago. Air Day will now provide a rare opportunity for the youngest aviation fans to see a Harrier display for the very first time. It will join the already confirmed F-35B Lightning in Air Day’s five hour flying display.

RNAS Yeovilton has a long association with the Harrier, having been the home base for the Royal Navy’s Sea Harrier squadrons for over 25 years, starting in 1979. It will be a welcome return for the Spanish Navy Harriers who last visited Air Day in 2009 for Fly Navy 100.

Spanish Harriers will also participate in the RIAT 2019.

Source: Yeovilton Air Day