The story
The original Hawker Siddeley Harrier was the only truly successful vertical-takeoff design of its era — the first operational jet that could rise straight up from a forest clearing, decades before the F-35B. It flew for the RAF, the US Marines and the Royal Navy, whose Sea Harrier cousins fought in the Falklands in 1982. Today, first-generation Harriers fly only in private hands.
Only 278 first-generation Harriers were built, and just a handful survive in flying condition, kept airborne by devoted civilian owners.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Harrier?
Smaller and more hunched than the AV-8B, with a narrower wing. Any first-generation Harrier flying today is a lovingly maintained warbird — a genuinely rare catch.
What does a Harrier sound like?
The unmistakable Pegasus howl — a hollow, resonant roar that turns every head at an airshow.
How fast is the Harrier?
Top speed is 635 kts.
How many people does the Harrier carry?
Typical configuration: Single-seat; T.2/T.4 two-seat trainers.
How far can the Harrier fly?
Range is about 360 nmi.
How big is the Harrier?
It is 46 ft 10 in long and 25 ft 5 in across the wings.
When did the Harrier first fly?
Its first flight was in 1967.
How many Harriers have been built?
278 built.
How rare is a Harrier in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first Harrier catch is worth 250 points.
