Birtles, Philip Harrier

The World’s First V/STOL Jet Combat Aircraft

The book tells the story of the unique development of the world's first practical V/STOL combat aircraft concept, from its first hover flight restricted by outriggers to its dominance as a versatile ground attack aircraft capable of deploying multiple precision weapons to support ground troops and defend naval units. On its first flight, the aircraft could carry barely enough fuel for more than a few minutes of hovering, but its potential was undeniable, as proven by the later AV-8B Plus models of the US Marine Corps and GR.9 models of the RAF, both of which were capable of delivering over 2 tonnes of ordnance with great accuracy, day or night, in all weather conditions. The history of this aircraft, which introduced a completely new concept in air combat technology, encompasses the development of the V/STOL system into a practical operational asset and the use of the Harrier in regional conflicts with the USMC, RAF and FAA. It was the most important British aircraft in the Falklands campaign, where both RAF Harriers and FAA Sea Harriers were deployed, and was an important part of the Indian, Spanish and Italian naval air forces. This book contains over 400 images documenting the development of the aircraft, most of which are previously unpublished.