Introduction to the Hawker Siddeley Harrier

THE design concept of the Harrier (H.S.A. Type Number P.1127) arose over a few months in the summer and autumn of 1957 in studies by the Project Office at Hawker Aircraft Ltd., Kingston‐upon‐Thames. These studies were aimed at evolving a lightweight V/S.T.O.L. (Vertical and Short Take Off and Landing) strike reconnaissance aircraft round the Bristol Aero Engines Ltd. BE.53 engine.