Page 159 - Understanding Flight

CH05_Anderson 7/25/01 8:58 AM Page 146

146 CHAPTER FIVE

Fig. 5.24. With thrust vectoring the thrust can be
redirected to increase maneuverability.

Fig. 5.25. Thrust vectoring of the Harrier in hover.

During the Falkland Islands war between Britain and Argentina,
thrust vectoring was found to be extremely effective in combat. Pilots
used the thrust vectoring of the Harrier, shown in Figure 5.25,
originally designed for vertical or short takeoff and landing, to
improve maneuverability. A pilot in straight-and-level flight could
quickly direct some of the thrust down and literally make the airplane
hop in the air. This extra maneuvering ability allowed the Harrier to
avoid air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles at the last minute, by
hopping out of the way.