Awesome Harrier Jump Jet Loud Vertical Takeoff
The Harrier, also known as the Harrier Jump Jet is a jet-powered aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing operations. Regular fighter jets need a runway with a considerable length to perform takeoffs and landings. Even the ones operating in aircraft carriers do. The great thing about the Harrier aircraft is that they just need little space since they can land and takeoff vertically just like helicopters do.
The Harrier aircraft was first manufactured by the British manufacturer Hawker Siddeley in the 1960s. Later US manufacturer McDonnell Douglas also made varients of Harrier Jump Jets. There are 4 main variants of the Harrier family by both UK and US manufacturers. They are:
- Hawker Siddeley Harrier
- British Aerospace Sea Harrier
- McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II
- British Aerospace Harrier II
Even though other aircraft manufacturers tried designing V/STOL aircraft such as the Russian Yak-38 at that time, Harrier emerged as the only truly successful V/STOL fighter.
Since it doesn’t need a long runway, it can take off from unusual locations such as jungle clearings which are not ideal for a usual fighter aircraft. Same as helicopters it can hover, go backward, fly sideways, and can stop and turn in mid-air. All this is possible in the Harrier thanks to its exhaust nozzles that can turn to change the direction of thrust from Harrier’s jet engine. They point downwards during take-off and landing and point backward when flying in normal highspeed flights.
Enjoy this amazing Harrier Vertical Takeoff footage. You might want to reduce the volume a bit for this one.
