The Harrier Jump Jet made its first flight on this day in history, August 31, 1966. The warplane is known for its ability to take off vertically and hover like a helicopter.

Freshly posted to Germany as an RAF Harrier GR3 ground-attack pilot, ... to allow space for the Blue Fox radar display. There was no Sea Harrier T-Bird [two-seat trainer] ...

The Sea Harrier was a truly multi role aircraft that could perform air-to-air combat and ground attack and reconnaissance. First air-to-air engagement took place on the morning of May 1, 1982.