The Harrier fighter has been revolutionary: the first winged military aircraft that could carry out vertical/short takeoff and landing operations. Over its long service life, the jet has appeared in two generations, operating from land bases and ships at sea, in close support, air superiority, strike, and reconnaissance roles. Hawker Siddeley began a long development in 1957 with the P.1127. An offshoot-Kestrel-emerged in 1964, leading to Harrier GR.1 in 1966.The GR.1 was ordered by the RAF and US Marine Corps (its designation was AV-8A); then, Royal Navy demand led to a naval Sea Harrier. The second generation comprised the AV-8B Harrier II (a Boeing redevelopment) and GR.7/GR.9 Harrier II (a British Aerospace effort). These new aircraft, like the older ones, equipped the RAF, Royal Navy, and USMC. The Pegasus turbofan engine, with four vectorable nozzles, has continually grown in power. Conventional surfaces are used In normal forward flight, but reaction jets in the nose, wingtips, and tail provide control in vertical flight. Landing gear-wing outriggers, nose gear, and main wheels-has been positioned to avoid interference with jet exhaust.
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