Ebook: The Harrier Story

Cover; Title; Copyright; Contents; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Early V/STOL; Vertical Challenge; 'Jump-Jet' Reality; First Harriers; V/STOL in Service; Two-seaters; Air Race; Overseas Buyers; Going to Sea; Falklands Combat; New Generation; RAF's Harrier II; Improved Sea Harriers; Joint Force Harrier; Appendix I Specifications; Appendix II Production; Appendix III Milestones.;The 'Jump-jet' was the world's first vertical/short take-off and landing operational jet aircraft (VSTOL). Developed using the revolutionary Pegasus engine, the Harrier has served the RAF and US Marine Corps for well over 30 years. Here, vividly told, is the fascinating story from tentative hovering by the Hawker P1127 in 1960 to today's frontline Harrier GR9 and AV-8B warplanes. A naval version, the Sea Harrier, entered service with the Royal Navy in 1979. Alongside the RAF Harrier it saw action in the Falklands War in 1982. More recently, Harriers have seen combat over Kosovo, Bosnia an.