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Harrier Jumpjet
Harrier Jumpjet
The Harrier Jumpjet is a military aircraft that uses VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) technology that allows it to take off and land vertically without a runway. The plane was invented by British companies with development starting in the 1950s.
In 1960 a prototype plane was developed by Hawker with an engine designed by the Bristol Engine Company. This plane - the P.1127 - was followed by a supersonic version - the P.1150 - and the Hawker P.1154. The P.1127 was further developed into the Hawker Siddeley Kestrel a few years later which was then modified into the Harrier GR.1.
Later aircraft here included to GR.3 and the AV-8A Harrier. Developments by McDonnell Douglas and British Aerospace created variations including the AV-8B Harrier II, the GR5/7/9 aircraft and the British Aerospace Sea Harrier which is a naval fighter aircraft. Jumpjets are ideal for naval use as they can be operated to and from aircraft carriers at sea with no real runway needs.
The success of the Harrier aircraft is that they combine the features of a standard fixed wing aircraft with the ability to take on VTOL and STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) flight which brings comparisons to helicopters.