With the UK's retirement of the Harrier, its time to take a look back in history at other aircraft that were retired before their time. What do I mean by that? I mean airplanes that filled an essential niche' role and with reasonable upgrades could still be flying and fighting...
1.
Harrier GR9. The Royal Navy definitely got the short straw with the move to withdraw the Harrier from service. To be honest, from an outsiders perspective, it appears that the Royal Air Force had a plan to destroy the Navy Air Arm and almost pulled it off. Only the Navy's willingness to sell its soul to get a carrier kept it in the aviation game. The Harrier's will be missed and I have doubts that the Royal Air Force will be able to find bases close enough to areas of future operations to be able to help.
2.
SEPECAT Jaguar. Probably one of the best CAS aircraft of the past century, this little work horse was able to do the Gripen's vaunted road thing before it was cool. While simple, it was robust and with modern targeting pods and engines it would have been a credible and cheap small wars workhorse.
3.
OV-10D Bronco. Photo is of an OV-10 operating from the USS Nassau. This was an ideal airplane that would excel in its new role of V-22 escort. Harriers and F-35's might be too fast but the OV-10 would keep pace, bring an awesome amount of firepower and could operate off the America Class LHD with ease. Some might not recognize it, but the OV-10 is already being missed!
4.
MH-53M Pave Low III. I'm a fan of the V-22 in general but one thing is certain. Special Ops needs all the lift it can manage. The MH-53 was still a viable airplane and would be a valuable addition to the war in Afghanistan. Its long range, superior avionics and toughness are exactly what the Special Ops community need right now.
5.
A-6E Intruder II. An upgraded version was offered that had improved avionics, engines and a redone wing. Already a long range striker, the A-6F would have been the bomb truck of choice in the war on terror.
