"RustY©" wrote in message
...

"PVK" wrote in message
...

I've never noticed those flat plates sticking down from under the
Harrier's
fuselage before. Any idea what they are for ?

I can't say that I have ever thought about them but how about blast
shields
for the centreline stores for when the jet nozzles are pointing downwards
?
They do look as though they are in the right place to be deflectors.



I seem to remember reading somewhere, that the plates increase the lift
available in the vertical takeoff mode. This lets the aircraft do a vertical
take off with more weapons onboard, or use less fuel with a lighter load.

Ken
No, I'm not a pilot, "but-I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night".
grins
To our non U.S. friends, it's a TV commercial