[freedumb2003]

I did not know we still had active service Harriers. I thought only England flew them.

As for the maneuver, it is clear the catch rig is designed for exactly that and the pilots no doubt practice it. But still not easy and well executed.

[BikerJoe]

I did not know we still had active service Harriers. I thought only England flew them.

I don't know if they're in active service, but this story is from SEVEN friggin' years ago. Internet writers must be getting desperate, and as usual, they just hyperventilate about something that, while unusual, probably didn't require extraordinary airmanship. And yes, it was probably just a standard A/C support for working on the landing gear or something.

[Tallguy]

You typically need custom stands to be able to test the hydraulics for the landing gear & landing gear doors while performing maintenance checks. Every base and carrier has them. They aren’t intended to be used like this, but when there are no other alternatives but ditching or ejecting over waters I think most aviators would take their chances landing on the saddle.