In Action
4(Army Cooperation) Squadron - RAF Cottesmore

Following the Basic Fast-Jet Training (BFJT) course on the Tucano at RAF Linton RAF and RN students move to RAF Valley for a year to complete Advanced and Tactical Fast Jet training on the Hawk. Graduate students are accepted at the Harrier OCU at RAF Wittering with 20(Reserve) Squadron on the Harrier T.10 for Operational Flying Training (OFT). After completing their time with 20(R) they move the short distance to RAF Cottesmore and Joint Force Harrier (JFH) to fly the Harrier GR.7/GR.9. RAF pilots will transfer to either 1(F) or 4(AC) Squadron's and the RN pilots to 800 or 801 Squadron of the Naval Strike Wing (NSW) which is part of JFH. The NSW operate from either onboard an Invincible class aircraft carrier or from an airfield.
4 (AC) Squadron is training on AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod which offers improved performance in summer 2007 over Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator (TIALD).

On March 31, 2010 4(AC) Squadron disbanded at RAF Cottesmore. 4(Reserve) Squadron will reform at RAF Wittering as the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), replacing 20(R) Squadron which will disband.

Bae Harrier GR.7A (ZG471 '61A') when participating in exercise 'Swift Panther' on May 31, 2006 shortly after receiving fuel from 101 Squadron VC-10 K.3.

Left to right: Harrier GR.7A (ZG471 '61A') in May 2006.

Left to right: Harrier GR.7A's (ZD348 '15A')  in May 2006.

Harrier GR.7 (ZD430 '39') in 2004.

Low Flying Action

Harrier GR.9 (ZG862 '94') low flying in the Lake District in November 2006.

Left to right: Harrier T.12 (ZH661 '109') now unmarked and with 4(R) Squadron in mid Wales in June 2010.   

Harrier GR.7 (ZD438 '50') was just one of three, the other two flew high and wide in August 2005.
Harrier GR.9 (ZD438 '50') one of a pair it was still in its old 4(AC) Squadron markings in May 2010.

Cottesmore Action

Harrier GR.9 (ZD379 '27') returning to base with an inert Paveway III Laser Guided Bomb (LGB).

Left to right: Harrier GR.9 (ZD435 '47') of 4(AC) Squadron which was doing a few circuits and pratice hovers.

Left to right: Harrier GR.7 (ZD410) in 4(AC) Squadron's special 95th Anniversary scheme; '95 1912-2007' in December 2007.

Left to right: Harrier GR.9 (ZD379 '27') it's 4(AC) Squadron markings removed. It is carrying a Raytheon Paveway III Precision 1,000 lb (454kg) Laser Guided Bomb on the port wing and a 1,000 lb dumb bomb on the other side in December 2007.

Harrier GR.7 (ZD409 '38') leading out a two-ship.

Left to right: Harrier GR.9 (ZD378 '26') with mission markings from Afghanistan and GR.9 (ZG501) in 4(AC) Squadron's special scheme in March 2010.