Collection Item
Hawker Harrier T.Mk.52
The Harrier that has flown the world
History
The Hawker Siddeley Harrier was the first successful V/STOL (Vertical/Short take-off and landing) fighter. Harriers have served in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, as well as other foreign air forces – especially the US Marine Corps. They played an important role in the Falklands and Gulf Wars and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This aircraft was the first two-seater trainer and was retained as a demonstration aircraft by Hawker to tour the world, showcasing the Harrier to foreign air forces. It was also involved in development work including testing the ‘ski jump’ used on aircraft carriers, and the Skyhook Project, which trialled flying Harriers from container ships and recovering them with a crane as they hovered in mid-air.
Collection Data
Date Built
1976
Location
Flight Shed
Category
Aircraft
Technical
Specifications
- Assembled at HSA Kingston, G-VTOL made its first flight, from Dunsfold, with Duncan Simpson in September 1971.
- Engine: 1 x 91kN (20,500lbs) thrust, Rolls Royce Pegasus 101 turbofan. Movement is controlled by 4 Jet engine nozzles, allowing these vehicles to land almost anywhere.
- Max Speed: 737mph (1,190km/h)
- Max Altitude: 15,240m (50,000ft)
- Range: 2,300 miles (3,700km)
