Jump Jets - The Harrier

Harrier, single-engine, “jump-jet” fighter-bomber designed to fly from combat areas and aircraft carriers and to support ground forces. The several versions of the Harrier could take off straight up or with a short roll (Vertical and Short Take-off and Landing, or V/STOL), and thus the Harrier did not need conventional runways. Powered by a vectored-thrust turbofan engine, the plane diverted its engine thrust downward for vertical takeoff using rotatable engine exhaust ports. It could carry a combination of armaments, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface antiship missiles, rockets, and bombs.