MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands Air Planning Commander Killed in Plane Crash

The Air Marshal who planned the role of the Royal Air Force in the recovery of the Falkland Islands and earlier pioneered the introduction of the Harrier jump-jet which played a vital role in the 1982 Conflict, has been killed in an air crash.

Air Marshal Sir Kenneth Hayr, aged 66, was flying a Vampire jet trainer aircraft when it plunged to the ground at an air display at the famous World War Two Battle of Britain airfield at Biggin Hill in Kent. Tributes have been paid to him as one of the RAF's most skilful pilots.

As Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) at the Ministry of Defence in 1982, Air Marshal Ayr planned the RAF's part in defeating the Argentines. RAF pilots joined Royal Navy pilots flying Harriers from the Task Force aircraft carriers to shoot down Argentine strike aircraft and carry out ground attack raids in the Falkland Islands in support of the British advance.

The RAF also mounted the Vulcan bomber raids on Stanley Airfield, flying several thousand miles from Ascension Island, refuelling in flight, in a complicated operation, which did little damage to the runway but jolted the Argentine defenders' morale by its daring and reach.

Air Marshal Hayr could also take credit for the skill of the Harrier pilots flying a revolutionary aircraft. This required expert training which he pioneered as Commander of the famous Number 1 Fighter Squadron, the first to fly the new aircraft in an operational role in 1970.

With its vertical take-off and landing and hovering capability, the Harrier was a difficult aircraft to master, presenting a challenge that he was the first to take on and provide the guidelines for other pilots to follow. When it was a novelty to fly these aircraft from aircraft carriers, he was the first pilot to land a Harrier on the Ark Royal.

By the time the Harrier brilliantly played its first major combat role in the hostilities of 1982, it had become routine, providing the Task Force with its most versatile air defence and ground attack weapon.

He was promoted and took command of the United Kingdom's air defences and then of British forces in Cyprus. As Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (commitments) he was involved in implementing the RAF's role in the Gulf War.

Air Marshal Hayr was born in New Zealand in 1935, joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1954, then RAF Fighter Command after graduating from the UK RAF College at Cranwell. He flew a variety of aircraft, won two Air Force Crosses for outst