Fond farewell to Harrier, iconic hovering jet fighter

Britain's Harrier jump jets took what was billed as their "final flight" yesterday before the axe of government spending cuts falls on them.

The 16-strong fleet of distinctive aircraft soared into the grey skies above RAF Cottesmore in the East Midlands on a farewell journey over several RAF bases.

The jets - famous for their ability to hover - date back to the 1960s when the first generation of Harriers was built in the UK. In 1969 the Royal Air Force became the first in the world to use the jets' unusual vertical take-off and landing capability, which was used on carriers and enabled the aircraft to land in places conventional aircraft cannot reach.

But the planes fell victim to the recent bout of belt-tightening by the coalition, which announced they would be removed from service in this autumn's defence review.

Group Commander Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell said: "The Harrier is a true icon and stands testament to the innovation and excellence of British design and engineering, and the skill and courage of our airmen.

"It has had a truly distinguished service with both the RAF and the Royal Navy, from the South Atlantic to the skies over Afghanistan."