The P.1213 and better-known P.1216 represent a later generation of unusually shaped supersonic V/STOL studies, including forward-swept-wing and flying-wing influences. Work at the Kingston design team continued to refine plenum-chamber-burning propulsion through small runs of roughly six to twelve test engines. Those limited batches were enough to accumulate bench hours and develop the propulsion concept without committing to production. The intended market remained broad: Royal Navy and RAF replacement needs for Harrier and Tornado, plus possible adoption by the US Marine Corps. These projects show that the F-35B followed decades of successor studies rather than appearing as a wholly new requirement.
Chapter · 30:53-33:53
P.1213 and P.1216 carried the supersonic successor into the 1980s
Hawker's P.1213/P.1216 studies explored unconventional supersonic V/STOL replacements for both Harrier and Tornado, with possible US Marine Corps use.