Harrier - The Jump Jet
21st Century History
•
11m
From Cold War hover rigs to the dust-stripped battlefields of Afghanistan, the Harrier Jump Jet redefined the boundaries of combat aviation. Developed by British engineers with the revolutionary Pegasus engine, the Harrier became the world’s first operational fixed-wing V/STOL aircraft—capable of vertical takeoff, close air support from improvised sites, and dominating airspace from the decks of small carriers.
This documentary charts the full arc of the Harrier's remarkable journey—from the experimental P.1127 and the RAF’s first GR.1s, to the Sea Harrier’s dogfights over the Falklands, and the AV-8B Harrier II's frontline deployments in the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Along the way, we explore the technical brilliance of vectored thrust, the unique demands placed on Harrier pilots, and the legacy this aircraft leaves as it is phased out in favor of the F-35B.
Up Next in 21st Century History
-
Countering UAS Threats
Counter Small UAS (C-S-UAS), aimed at neutralizing small drones (up to 25kg) on the battlefield. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) targets cost-effective solutions like DroneShield’s RfPatrol Mk 2 and DroneGun Mk4 (jamming, swarm-capable), alongside "hard kill" options like lasers and the M230 B...
-
Comparing the F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 Lightning II has become the defining fifth-generation multirole fighter of the 21st century, with widespread adoption across allied air forces. But despite their similar appearance, the three main variants—the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C—are distinct aircraft, each engineered for specific ro...
