50 years of STOVL

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50 years of STOVL

Icons of the sky - past, present and future

Since the Harrier GR1 entered service with the Royal Air Force in April 1969, we’ve been powering pioneering Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities for the last 50 years.

Launching vertically

The idea of an aircraft that can launch vertically has been ground-breaking since the 1950s.

The Rolls-Royce powered Harrier proved that the technology was possible for military use.

“The need to get rid of long, vulnerable runways is a big advantage when it comes to aircraft operations,” said Jock Heron, Vice President Heritage Trust - Bristol Branch.

“It gives those using the aircraft more flexibility – they can operate more discretely from more locations and use smaller aircraft carriers when being deployed.”

The Harrier legacy

The Harrier stands as a cornerstone of air forces across the world, with 824 Harrier variants being delivered to customers between 1969 and 2003.

It’s still a vital part of the US Marine Corps, the Italian Navy and the Spanish Navy.

We’re still at the forefront of STOVL technology thanks to our unique LiftSystem®, which gives the innovative F-35B Lightning ll its unique capabilities. STOVL aircraft are essential to military and business aviation.

“The legacy of the Harrier is one of ingenuity and ground-breaking innovation – a proud symbol of engineering excellence. But the need for STOVL aircraft is more apparent than ever, as we’ve seen in the reception of the F-35B.”

Jock Heron piloted Harriers between 1971 to 1982

WATCH

RAF F-35B Lightning (II) from 617 Squadron based at RAF Marham ©Claire Hartley

STOVL timeline

Aviation innovations may have entered active service in 1969 with the Harrier GR1, but we began pioneering this technology long before the launch of the iconic aircraft.

1954

In August, the Thrust Measuring Rig, more commonly known as the Flying Bedstead, is used to gather data for jet lift projects.

1960

First hover by the P.1127, the predecessor to the Harrier

1964

The first Kestrel flies

1966

The first development batch of Harrier aircraft takes to the skies

1969

In April, the Harrier GR1 enters service with the RAF – the first in-service use of STOVL technology.

1996

The next generation of STOVL aircraft gain working prototypes in the Lockheed Martin X-35B and the Boeing X-32B.

2008

The Harrier GR9, the final update to the long-serving airframe, enters service.

2018

RAF Marham receives its first fifth-generation STOVL fighter, the F-35B Lightning II