Hawker P 1127 VSTOL Experimental Aircraft

Hawker P.1127 VSTOL Experimental Aircraft, serial number XP831 (the first prototype), by Hawker Siddeley Aircraft Company Limited, British, 1960

Hawker P.1127 VSTOL Experimental Aircraft, 1960, serial number XP831. This is the first prototype which achieved vertical take-off on 21st October, 1960. The P 1127 developed into the Kestrel and then the Harrier Jump Jet, the world's first operational vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) jet fighter. This photograph shows the nozzles used to vector thrust. Seen in downwards (hover) position.