Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:31:20-2:33:04

A supersonic Harrier becomes the P.1154

Repeated development could not simply turn the subsonic Harrier into a supersonic mark; the relevant British path was the larger P.1154 fighter.

Fleet Air ArmHarrier Jump JetHawker Siddeley P.1154Royal Air ForceV/STOL Aircraft
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

What if the Harrier evolved through many variants until it became nearly supersonic?

Short answer

That aircraft would effectively be the P.1154 rather than another ordinary Harrier mark, with a stronger fighter emphasis and major consequences for British carrier aviation.

Notes

The panel rejects the idea that enough incremental marks would make the original Harrier supersonic. That requirement points instead to the Hawker Siddeley P.1154, a distinct V/STOL aircraft leaning much more heavily toward the fighter role. It would likely enter service later, but it retained multirole potential and could operate from Royal Navy fleet carriers. If available before the Navy committed to the Sea Harrier and ski-jump path, the P.1154 could redirect both naval and Royal Air Force V/STOL development.