The Harrier was born out of an approach to Hawker Aircraft by the Bristol Engine Company in 1957. Bristol had been experimenting with directed thrust, and sought an airframe manufacturer to design an aircraft around the concept. Despite serious funding challenges, Hawker rose to the challenge and the Harrier’s ancestor, the Hawker P1127, flew for the first time in 1960.

The potential of the design was apparent from the first flight. It was tricky to control, and an engine failure in the hover was unlikely to end happily, but the new machine would clearly be able to operate from dispersed bases, away from airfield facilities.

This was the height of the Cold War, so the concept of deploying Harriers scattered throughout Eastern Europe was instantly attractive. Supported by nothing more than an Alvis Stalwart, the aircraft could come and go almost invisibly.

The Harrier had been born into a world of supersonic jets, many of which had the capability of exceeding 1,000mph (1,600kph), yet it boasted a maximum speed of little over 700mph (1,120kph). But this figure is misleading. Most jets need to be above 30,000 feet (763m) to return their maximum performance. The Harrier could deliver with its chin on the ground. At low level, its speed, acceleration and physics-defying agility were unbeatable.