Recognizing the benefits that a vertical takeoff aircraft could have in reducing its dependency on vulnerable runways and large, expensive aircraft carriers, the British began development of the Harrier "jump-jet" in the early 1960s. Work on the Royal Air Force's Harrier, tailored for attack and reconnaissance roles, commended in 1965. At the heart of the Harrier's vertical takeoff and landing capability is the Rolls-Royce Pegasas turbofan engine and a series of four vectored-thrust nozzles that can pivot through 110 degrees. Also utilizing a number of small reaction control jets, the Harrier has exceptional stability in hover and superb maneuverability in flight.
Though the Harrier's potential for use at sea was known by the time the RAF's Harrier entered service, the Navy program suffered many delays due to political bickering. It was not until 1975 that the Sea Harrier project was finally given approval. The two variants are largely identical except that the Royal Navy Sea Harrier has a different nose enclosing a new radar. The Sea Harrier's cockpit was also raised higher to give the pilot improved visibility.