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A Report On The Jet Engine

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A 6am wake up call, I dragged myself out of bed and into the cold morning air. After a quick breakfast, I made my way to the ops rooms for a briefing, before going on standby and awaiting the call to scramble. We did not have to wait long before a call came through. We jumped into a Land Cruiser and made our way quickly to the flight line. ZG477 had the early morning sun glinting off the canopy as we drew up to the flight line. After a quick check round the outside and a chat for any issues, I climbed into the cockpit, got strapped in with the help of ground crew and began pre-flight checks. The Pegasus engine burst into life and we were soon on our way along the taxiway towards the end of the runway at Kandahar. The GR9 Harriers were originally fitted with the Pegasus MK105 engine providing 21,750lb and the GR9A Harriers fitted with the higher rated Pegasus MK107 engine providing 23,400lb thrust. The GR9A with the higher rated engine were also modified to incorporate a new metal, high-fatigue rated, rear fuselage section as well. We were given immediate takeoff clearance. As soon as I had turned onto he runway and was straight, I pushed the throttle fully forward, holding the brakes on before releasing them moments later. The noise of the Pegasus engine rose to a high pitch scream as the Harrier leapt forward, pushing me back into the seat. On takeoff, you always needed to concentrate on keeping the aircraft flying straight as it rocked slightly from side to side as it

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