Basic description of the Harrier
Although there are many variants of the Harrier family,
the basic layout of the aircraft has not changed since 1957/58. This
section outlines the common features of all aircraft in the Harrier
family, from the original P.1127 through to today's Harrier II+.
The P.1127 was originally designed not only as a research
aircraft to explore V/STOL flight but also as a tactical strike fighter
to be used in support of land forces. It was this objective, in addition
to its novel take-off and landing method, that has shaped the design.
The most critical area of concern has always been weight.
Despite the continuous growth in the thrust of the Pegasus engine, no
member of the Harrier family has enjoyed an excess of thrust. It is
a happy coincidence that many of the design requirements of a ground
attack fighter have mirrored the need for weight minimisation, such
as the small wing and single-seat cockpit.
Below is an interactive image/text control panel - select
an area of the Harrier to learn more.
