Q&A · 1:35:34-1:35:48

A supersonic Harrier and larger Invincible-class carriers

A brief aircraft counterfactual connects a faster V/STOL fighter to carrier size and Falklands operations.

Question

How would production of the P.1154 supersonic Harrier affect British naval aviation?

Short answer

The Invincible-class carriers would need to be larger, and the Falklands campaign would acquire a substantially different air-warfare balance.

Notes

A more capable but more demanding aircraft would shape the ships intended to operate it, rather than simply fitting into the historical Invincible design. Its presence would also alter the performance assumptions behind British combat air patrols in 1982.