What is special about the Harrier aircraft?

An unusual feature of the Harrier family of aircraft is their use of two types of flight control to provide pitch, roll and yaw control: conventional control surfaces for wingborne flight, and a system of reaction control valves directing jets of bleed air from the high-pressure compressor of the engine out through the …

What are four unique tricks that the Harrier aircraft can perform?

The Harrier can also hover like a helicopter, fly sideways, go backward, and even stop and turn in midair. It can do all this because its exhaust nozzles, where exhaust gases come out, can swivel to change the direction of thrust from the Harrier’s jet engine.

Why was the Sea Harrier so successful?

The Sea Harrier pilots did have an advantage. The Argentinians only had two aerial refueling aircraft – and that shortage meant only so many planes could be sent on a given strike. Furthermore, their most capable fighters, the Mirages and Daggers, were not equipped for mid-air refueling.

Do the Marines still fly Harriers?

AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft will stay operational with US Marine Corps until 2029. The AV-8B Harrier II vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) attack aircraft will continue to be used by the U.S. Marine Corps until 2029 despite the arrival of the F-35B.

Who built the Harrier jet?

Hawker Siddeley
McDonnell Douglas
Hawker Siddeley Harrier/Manufacturers

Does the Harrier still fly?

What makes the Harrier so special?

The Harrier emerged as the only truly successful V/STOL design of the many attempted during that era. It was conceived to operate from improvised bases, such as car parks or forest clearings, without requiring large and vulnerable air bases.

Is there a Harrier Jump Jet video game?

For the video game, see Harrier Jump Jet (video game). The Harrier, informally referred to as the Harrier Jump Jet, is a family of jet-powered attack aircraft capable of vertical/short takeoff and landing operations (V/STOL). Named after a bird of prey, it was originally developed by British manufacturer Hawker Siddeley in the 1960s.

Did you fly in a harrier before the F-35?

Prior to flying the F-35B Lightning II , RAF Wing Commander James Schofield flew and fought in RAF Harriers. We interviewed him to find out more about mastering the immortal jump-jet. What were your first impressions of the Harrier?

What is the first generation of Harriers?

First-generation Harriers. The Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1/GR.3 and the AV-8A Harrier were the first generation of the Harrier series, the first operational close-support and reconnaissance attack aircraft with vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities.