British Aerospace Sea Harrier

The British Aerospace Sea Harrier, originally developed by Hawker Siddeley in the early 1970s, was a pioneering naval V/STOL fighter that combined the agility of a Harrier jump‑jet with the capability to operate from small aircraft carriers. First flying in 1975 and entering Royal Navy service in 1980, the Sea Harrier proved its worth during the Falklands War, where its superior maneuverability and the revolutionary Blue Fox radar allowed it to dominate the airspace despite limited numbers. Powered by a single Rolls‑Royce Pegasus turbofan, the aircraft could take off and land vertically or on short runways, a vital trait for the Royal Navy’s austere Invincible‑class carriers. Key features included a lightweight airframe, fold‑away wings, an advanced heads‑up display, and later the enhanced Blue Vixen radar paired with Side‑Winder missiles, giving it beyond‑visual‑range capability. Over 200 units were built, and the type remained in front‑line service until 2006, influencing subsequent naval combat designs. Its success demonstrated the practicality of V/STOL technology in carrier warfare, cementing the Sea Harrier’s place as a milestone in modern aviation history. It also served briefly with the Indian Navy, showcasing its export potential.

Hawker Siddeley

British Aerospace Sea Harrier

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