Despite various design refinements in the AV8-B, the updated Harrier is still regarded as difficult to fly.

The AV-8B Harrier, known informally as the Harrier jump jet, is the latest iteration in a series of VSTOL aircraft that was first developed in the 1960s. Originally manufactured by the UK’s Hawker Siddeley, the refined AV-8B variant is a McDonnell Douglas product.

The Harrier is renowned for being the Cold War’s only truly successful vertical/short takeoff or landing (VSTOL) aircraft. Attempting to copy its revolutionary design, the Soviet Union manufactured the Yakovlev Yak-38 in the 1970s and 80s but the type was retired in 1990. Soviet air planners also designed the similar Yakovlev Yak-141, but only four prototypes were ever made.

Achieving vertical takeoff half a century before the F-35B would make VSTOL flight seem more commonplace, the Harrier was ahead of its time, even though it was a flawed—and, indeed, dangerous—aircraft.

The Harrier’s Major Upgrade

Development of a refined Harrier jet began in 1973, through a collaboration between Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas. The refinement efforts stemmed from the original Harrier’s myriad shortcomings.

Most pressingly, the original Harrier suffered from a high accident rate, time-consuming maintenance issues,  and was notoriously difficult to fly. VSTOL flight also caused engine issues—most prominently the problem of hot gas re-ingestion (HGR), a condition in which an aircraft would re-ingest its own hot exhaust, raising engine temperatures and reducing performance output. In addition to re-ingesting hot exhaust, the Harrier’s hot exhaust could melt asphalt, distort steel, and kick up significant amounts of dust—complicating flight operations. And the engine’s large intakes restricted the pilot’s rear visibility.

Nevertheless, the Harrier proved the VSTOL concept, meaning a refined variant of the Harrier was a worthwhile pursuit, despite the original aircraft’s many flaws. 

Introducing the AV-8B

Built around an improved Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine, the AV-8B was first delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps in late 1983. Designed for attack or multi-role operations, the Harrier has typically been deployed from ships. Notably, although the Harrier is capable of vertical take-offs, it cannot do so while fully loaded. So, when fully loaded with the fuel and weapons needed for combat missions, the Harrier typically relies upon its short-takeoff capabilities.

Despite the refinements, the updated Harrier is still regarded as difficult to fly—which makes the Harrier’s enshrining moment in pop culture during the climax of the film True Lies all the more implausible. In that film, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character commandeers a USMC Harrier and then performs some extremely dexterous vertical flying in close proximity to several skyscrapers. The scene was technically advanced for the mid-90s, and is still awesome, but requires some factual leeway from Schwarzenegger and director James Cameron.

Due to its venerable age, the Harrier is on its way out. The F-35B will replace the Harrier with the Marine Corps and in many militaries abroad, where the Harrier has served with the Italians, Indians, British, Spanish, and Thai. Despite having reached the end of the road, though, the Harrier will always serve as a benchmark in military aviation, for having proved the possibilities of VSTOL flight.

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a senior defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.

Image: Shutterstock / ranchorunner.

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