The Hawker Harrier was an incredible aircraft. It was the first operational warplane to dispense with any need for conventional airfields or aircraft carriers, thanks to its vertical take-off and landing capabilities. Designed for Cold War requirements, the Harrier became a remarkably effective ground-attack bomber. Development continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and the Harrier matured into a versatile aircraft that proved invaluable with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and also with the United States Marine Corps and many export customers around the world. In the US, the Harrier ultimately became the AV-8B or Super Harrier. By any standards, the Harrier was a huge success, though it found itself the victim of politics and budgets.

With over 100 images, this new book edition of Aeroplane Icons: Hawker Harrier details the history of the aircraft, its origins and development, tracing how the P.1127 developed into the Kestrel and the Harrier, and then eventually to the AV-8B. This book highlights why the Harrier enjoys a special place in military aviation history.