The Harrier, informally referred to as the Harrier jump jet, is a family of jet-powered attack aircraft capable of vertical/short takeoff and landing operations (V/STOL). Named after the bird of prey, [1] it was originally developed by British manufacturer Hawker Siddeley in the 1960s.

The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AV-8B Harrier II is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft that constitutes the second generation of the Harrier family, capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL).

The AV-8B Harrier II is the U.S. military’s only short takeoff, vertical landing jet aircraft in current inventory.

The Hawker Siddeley Harrier is a British jet-powered attack aircraft designed and produced by the British aerospace company Hawker Siddeley. It was the first operational ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft with vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities and the only truly successful V/STOL design of its era.

Harrier, single-engine, “jump-jet” fighter-bomber designed to fly from combat areas and aircraft carriers and to support ground forces. It was made by Hawker Siddeley Aviation and first flew on Aug. 31, 1966, after a long period of development.

2025年1月1日 · The Harrier was made in Hawker Siddeley factories in Kingston, near the banks of the River Thames, with final assembly occurring at Dunsfold, some 30 miles southwest of London.

2024年2月23日 · The Harrier, which first entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1969, is famous as the world’s first fixed-wing VSTOL (vertical or short take-off and landing) strike aircraft. It is capable of operating from short landing surfaces, aircraft carriers, unprepared strips, including grass strips, and take off and land vertically.

The Harrier is one of the most extraordinary and recognizable fighter aircraft in the world. A single-seat light fighter with vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities, it can support troops on the ground and intercept and attack enemy aircraft over the battlefield.

2022年9月4日 · Despite being introduced in 1969, it is still in service with several forces around the world thanks to its devasting ground attack capabilities and all round performance – a testament to its excellent design. It is only now starting to be replaced by the F-35B Lightning II.

The Harrier story is one of the most remarkable in post-war British aviation history, reflecting technological advance, innovation and both political and service indecision. Dr Kevin Wright looks back at five decades of development and operation of the UK’s Harriers and Sea Harriers.