After the second world war, there was a great deal of interest in designing an aircraft that didn't need a runway from which to operate. A number of developments were tried including aircraft that take off and land vertically, aircraft that were launched from trailers using rocket booster, aircraft with separate lift and flight engines, and aircraft that had engines which swiveled from vertical take-off to flight mode. All of these systems were complicated or required piloting skill in the landing and takeoff mode that are not available in the average pilot. 

It wasn't until Hawker further improved on some experiments using vectored exhaust nozzles as well as stabilizing thrust nozzles in the tail to keep the aircraft pointing the right way, that a viable vertical take off and landing (VTOL) aircraft was finally developed. To be sure, the development of that aircraft was not short and many systems had to have bugs worked out of them, but the result is a very capable VTOL aircraft, the Harrier. 

What is really surprising is that this is basically it when it comes to combat aircraft of this type. Like the swing-wing, it seems to be a technology that is either way ahead of its time or is a bit of a dead end. It is the perfect platform for a sea-going attack aircraft, and as such has found a great deal of use with the Royal Navy and the US Marines. The RAF also has several squadrons of the aircraft, but I think that is more because it is a British design than anything else where the RAF is concerned.

The GR.5 and US AV-8B are basically the same aircraft. It has a larger airframe and wing than the previous Harrier GR.1/3 or AV-8A. It also has a more powerful engine. In fact, there is very little that is the same between the earlier and later Harrier. The RAF and USMC are constantly having the aircraft upgraded with improved systems. I think the RAF is up to GR.9 about this time. Not sure if the GR.5 is still around or if all the airframes have been upgraded. 

Airfix's kit of the Harrier GR.5 was first released around 1991, if the box date can be used for reference. What is surprising about this kit is that it is of the raised panel line variety. By now, almost all other kit makers new products had engraved panel lines. Not sure exactly why this is unless they were using parts from the ancient GR.1/3 kit.

Anyway, you get a sorta OK cockpit which is a tub, seat, control stick and instrument panel with decal. The canopy can be displayed open if you wish. Other options are gear up or down, guns or strakes and a bunch of underwing ordnance. In fact, it looks like half the kit is bombs, fuel tanks, guns or missiles.

It also looks like you can do several versions with this kit as there are four different noses, however only the one for the GR.5 is shown as used. Those of you with the other Harrier kits, let me know if one can do others with what comes in the kit.

The instruction sheet is a 7 step construction with colors given in these steps. Naturally they are Humbrol numbers with no clue as to what number is what color. This is really poor on Airfix's part as there are a number of modelers who don't have access to Humbrol paint. At least a generic color callout would be appreciated.

Decals are for two aircraft, both in what appears to be green over grey. One is from 1 sq and the other from 3 sq. As you can see from the sheet, most of the decals are for common markings with just a bit of color for the unit markings. Of course, all Harriers are now in grey (I believe), but this version should be in older colors. There is a very nice Modeldecal sheet for these aircraft so if you have it, use it!!

Overall, a nice kit. Not great, but nice and the only one I know of in this scale.

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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