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Known as the ‘jump jet’, the Harrier was the world’s first vertical take-off combat aircraft to enter operational service.
With its vertical and short take off capability, the Harrier did not need to use fixed runways but could launch from smaller areas like woodland clearings.
This is the oldest surviving Harrier in existence. It was used for testing and never saw operational service. You can find out more about the Harrier here.
| Date: | 1966 |
| Mark: | GR.1 |
| Crew: | 1 (pilot) |
| Top speed: | 746 mph (1,200 km/h) |
| Range: | 403 miles (649 km) |
| Weapons: | 2 x 30mm cannons or 1,000lb (4543/5 kg) bomb/reconnaissance pod 4,500lb (204kg) of additional armaments up to 4,500lb (2,041kg) |
The Hawker Siddeley Harrier in the Military Hangar at the National Museum of Flight.
Close up of the side of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier.
The cockpit of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier.
Between 1954 and 1958, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech and Slovak Republics) used the S-103 as its main jet fighter.
The Bolingbroke was the name given to the Bristol Blenheim light bomber built under licence in Canada.
The Canberra was the first Royal Air Force bomber powered by jet engines.
Known as the ‘jump jet’, the Harrier was the world’s first vertical take-off combat aircraft to enter operational service.
The Jaguar was a tactical strike and reconnaissance fighter which could carry nuclear weapons.
The Lightning was the first supersonic jet fighter in the Royal Air Force.
The rocket-powered Komet was the fastest aircraft of the Second World War.
The Meteor was the Royal Air Force’s first jet fighter. It entered service in 1944.
The Sea Hawk was a single-seat jet fighter which entered service with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm in 1953.
The Sea Venom was the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm’s first all-weather jet fighter.
The Spitfire is the most famous of all British combat aircraft.
The Tornado was the Royal Air Force’s only variable geometry (swing wing) aircraft.
