Aviation Photography - Harrier Heritage Centre

Harrier Heritage Centre
RAF Wittering
October 25, 2025

The Centre of Aviation Photography (COAP) organised another full day of photographing the four preserved aircraft at RAF Wittering's Harrier Heritage Centre. COAP's Richard Cooper and his colleague Steven Comber worked alongside Heritage Centre personnel to conduct a series of shoots around Vigo Woods. During the Cold War, this woodland area was used to disperse RAF Wittering's Harriers during exercises, simulating off-base operations for which the Harrier was uniquely suited.

For this event, the former wooded dispersal sites had to be restored. Over time, saplings and foliage had grown back since their last clearance in 2022, and these were cleared to recreate the original settings. RAF Wittering provided a range of equipment for the shoot, including a Land Rover, a fuel bowser, a tent, camouflage netting, and Marston Matting (perforated steel planking-PSP). Additional personnel were also supplied to support the re-enactors featured during the scenario-based photo sessions.

The shoot began in the early afternoon and continued well past sunset, giving photographers ample opportunity to capture the aircraft in a variety of settings and lighting conditions, both with and without re-enactors. Each scenario was repeated several times to ensure that all photographers could achieve their desired shots.

Unfortunately, it was announced that this would be the final event of its kind. The Harriers' tyres had been filled with foam to eliminate the need for regular re-inflation. However, when the aircraft were towed out to Vigo Woods, a considerable distance from the Heritage Centre, the solid, flat-spotted tyres made them difficult to move. It was also confirmed that no replacement tyres were available.

Aircraft featured during the Vigo Woods deployment shoot:
Hawker Siddeley P.1127 (XV279).
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3 (XV779) now in 3(F) Squadron markings.
Hawker Siddeley Harrier T.4 (XZ146) in 20 Squadron markings.
BAe Systems Harrier GR.7A (ZD318) trials aircraft in Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) markings.
Each aircraft was positioned in carefully recreated dispersal sites, replicating Cold War-era field operations.

Hawker Siddeley P.1127 (XV279) dispersed in Vigo Woods situated at the western end of RAF Wittering.

Hawker Siddeley P.1127 (XV279).

Enter the re-enactors.

Hawker Siddeley P.1127 (XV279).

Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3 (XV779) 4 Squadron markings.

Harrier GR.3 (XV779) 4 Squadron markings.

The Harrier line-up.

Hawker Siddeley Harrier T.4 (XZ146) in 20 Squadron markings. The Squadron's Welsh Wildcat emblem on the tail was retained from its time with 233 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU).