First Production Hawker Siddeley Harrier (1968)

Hawker Siddeley Aviation, now flying its first production Harrier VTOL strike fighter, along with six pre-production models, plans to increase Harrier performance with improvements in its Bristol Siddeley Pegasus 6 engine. Thrust will be increased from the current 19,000 lb., although much of the program hinges on government approval of a $10-million research and development request. Second phase will be a 50% increase in water injection for higher turbine temperatures. 

Front fan mass flow will be increased from 418 to 444 lb./sec. to increase thrust 5%. Testing of the Harrier has included the firing of Sneb 68-mm. rockets from wing-mounted Engins Matra launchers. Tropical flight trials in Sicily have been completed.

Hawker Siddeley also is developing a tandem two-seat version of the Harrier for flight this year. The company said it is preparing an export drive for the Harrier, with deliveries possible in 1970, after a British Royal Air Force order for 60 is filled. Price is $2.8 million each. Initial export targets are Italy and Germany, and Israel reportedly asked British government permission to buy 60 Harriers.

Production Harrier (left) in formation with two pre-production versions, carries Matra rocket launchers outboard on wings.

Fairing on each side of production Harrier lower fuselage in rear view is mockup of machine gun pod.

Exhaust ports are visible on mockup of machine gun pod beneath Harrier fuselage. Centerline pod is Ferranti nav-attack unit.

First production Harrier takes off for demonstration at Dunsfold, England. 

Cockpit of one Harrier is fitted with Specto head-up display at top. Control for vectoring thrust is on throttle quadrant to the left of the Martin-Baker T-9 rocket-powered ejection seat. Moving map display is at center of instrument array.

First production Harrier VTOL strike fighter is shown at far right with six pre-production models on track at Hawker Siddeley's Dunsfold plant in England. Harriers operated from the track in flight demonstration.

Five Hawker Siddeley Harriers are shown in various stages of production in Dunsfold hangar. Company has started an intensive drive to export the aircraft, with initial emphasis on Italy and Germany, where, it said, considerable interest has been shown.