Hawker Siddeley AV-8A Harrier

The AV‑8A Harrier, originally designated the Hawker Siddeley Harrier, was the first operational vertical/short‑take‑off and landing (V/STOL) fighter to enter service with a Western air force. Developed in the 1960s by Hawker Siddeley's team led by Sir Sydney Camm, the aircraft emerged from the earlier British experimental P.1127 and Kestrel programmes. It entered Royal Air Force service in 1971 and was promptly exported to the United States Marine Corps, where it became the cornerstone of the Marine Corps’ expeditionary aviation.

Key features include the revolutionary Pegasus turbofan engine, which directs thrust through four swiveling nozzles to provide lift, hover, and conventional forward flight. The airframe combines a lightweight composite structure with a low‑profile cockpit and a short, reinforced under‑carriage for rapid ground handling. Armament options range from 30 mm Aden cannons to a variety of bombs, rockets, and air‑to‑air missiles, making the Harrier a versatile strike platform.

The AV‑8A’s ability to operate from austere forward bases, amphibious ships, and damaged runways reshaped tactical doctrine, proving that fixed‑wing aircraft could retain combat relevance without traditional runways. Its success paved the way for later variants such as the AV‑8B Plus and the modern F‑35B, cementing its legacy as a milestone in aviation history.