Mark I 1/144 Harrier GR1/AV8A/AV8C First Generation Attack Aircraft Kit

The Hawker Siddeley Harrier “Jump Jet" is a British V/STOL airplane developed in the 1960s. The initial version, the Harrier GR.1, was based on the pre-production P.1127 (RAF) fighter, of which a batch of 60 was ordered for the RAF in 1967. A similar model-designated Mk.50, with a simplified navigational/attack system, was exported to the United States as the AV-8A, for use by the Marine Corps and a total of 102 aircraft were delivered during the early 1970s. Some 60 aircraft were upgraded as the AV-8Cs by the mid-1980s.

The Harrier GR.1/AV-8 was a single-seat fixed-wing all-metal monoplane powered by an R-R Pegasus turbojet (US designation F402), used for ground-attack, close air support, reconnaissance and fighter roles. It was fitted with two air intakes and four vectoring nozzles for directing the thrust generated by the engine. It had a tandem undercarriage and two outrigger landing gear units. External store hardpoints were installed for carrying a variety of weapons and external fuel tanks: two under each wing and one under the fuselage, while two Aden cannon gun pods could also be fitted beneath the fuselage.

The Harrier was a very innovative airplane and the only truly successful V/STOL design of the many that arose during that period of time and it became the versatile warrior of the RAF.

The Harrier GR.1 is also known to have won the Daily Mail Transatlantic Air Race between London and New York in May 1969, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the first transatlantic crossing.