Harrier: The World's First V/STOL Jet Combat Aircraft

Harrier tells the story of the unique development of a practical V/STOL combat concept into an extremely versatile ground-attack aircraft able to deliver multiple precision weapons in close support of ground troops, as well as air defence of naval assets.

When first flown, the Harrier could barely carry enough fuel for more than a few minutes of hovering, but its potential was indisputable, and proved by the later US Marine Corps AV-8B Plus and RAF GR.9, which could both deliver over two tons of ordnance with great accuracy, day and night, in all weather conditions.

The story of this aircraft, which introduced a whole new concept to air combat, covers the development of the V/STOL system into a practical asset as well as the Harrier's operational service in regional conflicts in Europe and the Middle East with both the USMC and RAF, and in the Falklands Campaign with the RAF and FAA.