This is the newest in the long line of Harrier 'Jump Jets' originating from the 1960s. . The GR7 is, in essence, a licence-built American-designed AV-8B Harrier II fitted with RAF-specific navigation and defensive systems as well as other changes including additional underwing pylons for Sidewinder missiles.

Harassing Harriers 

The VTOL Harrier proved more than a novelty in the six weeks Falklands war. Operating from aircraft carriers , 38 jump jets flew ground support missions and even engaged Argentine fighters in dogfights .  In harrier pilots downed 31 Argentine fighters (inc 19 supersonic Mirages) Without a single loss in air to air combat. They even captured an enemy ship!!!!  

Ski jump

The Sea Harrier uses a "ski Jump" to give it an extra boost on take off. the ramp , combined with the harrier vectored thrust system , allows it to oerate safly from small carriers  

Sats...

Powerplant: One Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk 105 vectored thrust turbofan of 21,750lb st (86.7kN)

Span: 30ft 4in (9.24m)

Length: 46ft 4in (14.12m)

Max Speed: 661mph (1,065km/h)

Armament: Two 25mm cannon on under-fuselage stations. Up to sixteen Mk 82 or six Mk 83 bombs, six BL-755 cluster bombs, four Maverick ASMs, or 10 rocket pods on seven wing stations.

Accommodation: GR7: Pilot only, T10: Pilot and pupil in tandem.

Recognition: The sharply anhederal wing and tailplane, and the large air intakes of the Pegasus engine make the Harrier very distinctive. The undercarriage is also unusual, in that the main wheels and nose wheel retract in tandem into the fuselage and there are two outrigger wheels that retract into housings on the wing at about two-thirds span. The cockpit glazing is large and pronounced on all versions.

Harrier GR7 with T10 side-view (bottom right)