The Harrier Story

The 'Jump-jet' was the world's first vertical/short take-off and landing (VSTOL) operational jet aircraft. Developed using the revolutionary Pegasus engine, the Harrier has served the RAF and US Marine Corps well for 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 and Iraq. In the USA, a license-built version (the AV8-A/B) equips the US Marine Corps and is in service today in Iraq. Harriers also equip air forces in Spain and Thailand. This competitively priced, full colour hardback is packed with clear and accessible information and is the latest in a series including The Concorde Story and The Spitfire Story.

PETER R. MARCH is an aviation author, photojournalist and pilot. He was the editor of the Royal Air Force Yearbook for twenty-two years and has produced two special editions marking the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the Battle of Britain. Peter is the author of seventy-two aviation books, including 50 Years of the Red Arrows (The History Press), and has had nearly 8,500 original photographs published since the mid-1950s. As contributing editor, he continues to produce the Old Timers vintage, warbird and classic aircraft section in Pilot magazine.