THE Harrier jumpjet has set a new world record for the total weight carried by an aircraft when launched from an aircraft carrier.

Sounds a bit esoteric, but the extra weight "vastly improves the capability of Harrier Squadrons at sea". It will give Harrier squadrons an increased maritime ground attack capability.

The record was carried out with a GR7A on board HMS Illustrious. In total 12 sorties were carried out over a 12-day period. For each launch the team steadily added to the weight of the aircraft by increasing the amount of fuel contained in the four external fuel tanks fitted especially for the trial.

At the final launch, the fuel on board the Harrier GR7A almost equalled the weight of an empty Harrier.