Harrier GR3 XV808
In 2012, Millington Engineering LTD acquired a Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3 ‘Jump Jet’ with the ambitious goal of restoring it to running condition. The aircraft, registration XV808, had not been operated for many years and presented an enormous challenge…
Roy Millington with XV808
The story of this project started in 2012, with Roy and Julian being offered a Harrier jet engine by a dealer in Glossop.
When given the asking price, Roy replied ‘‘for that price id like the whole aircraft!’’ As it happened, a pair of Harrier GR3’s were being considered for dispersal at the time..
As months went by, there was some doubt into if purchasing the project was the right thing to do at the time.
Roy’s wife, Sheila and daughter Jessica were all for it.
In the final days before delivery Roy’s sister Judith advised that we shouldn’t miss the opportunity and to go for it!
From that, the decision was finalized.
A few days later, the air frame was lifted from Gosport and delivered to the farm, with assembly taking 2 days.
For a team more familiar with high-performance competition engines than turbofan jet engines, this was an entirely new undertaking.
With support of volunteers from across the country, including ex/current RAF servicemen – work began to bring this Cold War–era jet back to life.
Ex RAF Armourer on Harriers - Andy King, working on the fuel systems
The batteries were long disconnected and needed to be replaced.
Then a huge service on the electrical system was needed, which hadn’t been connected for many years.
The fuel system required significant attention just to allow us to fill the fuel tanks with fuel.
One advantage of having an engine manufacturing facility on site, is that Roy and Julian can make most tools or parts when required..
This capability was most useful when Roy made a special tool in a matter of hours that allowed the fuel to be entered into the fuel system.
The jets starter engine (GTS), which is an 80hp Lucas jet engine, was found to be seized solid, after being outside for many years.
Luckily, the team had a spare one that Julian used to start up on a display rig at local shows.
With the new GTS fitted, the harrier was ready to start..
One of the many head scratching sessions by the team
Flight Lieutenant Ollie Suckling taxing XV808 up the airstrip
After more work on the restoration, a milestone was reached in 2014 when the Rolls Royce Pegasus engine roared back into action for the first time in decades.
This success made XV808 the only running Harrier GR3 in the UK, a truly unique achievement.
Later that same year, the aircraft was reunited with two of its former pilots, including Flight Lieutenant Ian Wilkes, whose name can still be seen stenciled by the cockpit.
From Left to Right - Roy Millington, Julian Millington, Ian Wilkes, John Finlayson, Matt Lurcock, Richard Cooke and Gilly Cooke
Also in that year, the Royal Mail, (under license with the Ministry of Defence) issued a 50th Anniversary Harrier stamp along with a silver coin.
XV808 was selected to be photographed for the stamp, which is now quite collectible.
Today, XV808 is carefully maintained and capable of taxiing under its own power at Millington’s airstrip.
The aircraft has since been used for media appearances, public shows, and charity events, becoming both a star attraction and a powerful reminder of Britain’s aviation heritage.
It remains available to view by appointment at the Chetton Heritage Museum.
Project Manager and Pilot - Flight Lieutenant Ollie Suckling
The restoration of XV808 would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of numerous individuals who freely gave their time and expertise.
We extend our sincere thanks to:
Adolf Horan, Ollie Suckling, Andrew King, Ollie Wheeldon, Andrew Webber, Dave Webber, Francis Wallace, Jack Hawkins, Kay Bennett, Matt Wellington, Haydn Jakes, Mike Overs, Nathan Hayles, Phil Willsher, Russ Russell, Steve Hancock, Tim Kingman, Graham Wiley, Sam Ward, Peter Mackaen, Ben Elton, Gareth ‘Scud’ Cummins, Harry Harrington, Jeff Davis, Jess King, Paul Tuininga, Stephen Wigmore & any we have missed of this list! .