The Harrier Story

by Peter R. March

The 'Jump-jet' was the world's first vertical/short take-off and landing (VSTOL) operational jet aircraft (VSTOL). 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 color hardback is packed with clear and accessible information and is the latest in a series including The Concorde Story and The Spitfire Story.

122 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2007

About the author

Peter R. March is an aviation author, photographer and journalist. He is the editor of the RAF and USAF yearbooks for the RAF Benevolent Fund/Royal International Air Tattoo, and a regular contributor to Aircraft Illustrated Magazine, editor of Ian Allan's yearly abc Military Aircraft, and author of more than 50 books in his own right on aviation subjects. He lives in Bristol.

Reviews

[Robert Hepple]

The Harrier Story gives a very good, if brief account of the development and service of the Harrier. The book concentrates on service with the RAF, with only a token few pages devoted to service with other air arms. The illustrations are very good, and well chosen. The shots of development P.1127 and Kestrel types are especially good. Enthusiasts of the Harrier will not be disappointed, unless they want to see a lot more about Harriers in the service of air arms outside the UK.