XP980

XP980 was the fifth of the P.1127 development aircraft that led to the Kestrel and Harrier. Hawker built it at Kingston, and it first flew from Dunsfold on 24 February 1963. It introduced the taller fin and anhedral tailplane later used on the production Harrier. A heavy landing on 16 November 1963 grounded it until 25 November.

It made its last flight from Dunsfold on 27 January 1966 and went to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at Boscombe Down. There it was damaged in a practice forced landing and its flying days ended.

A long second career on the ground followed. In 1970 Flight Refuelling Ltd at Tarrant Rushton used it for barrier trials. In March 1971 its wing was replaced by one from Harrier GR.1 XV751. From 1972 it ran pilotless crash barrier trials at RAE Bedford, and from August 1975 it tested Sea Harrier restraining hooks there. In August 1977 it returned to Tarrant Rushton for drone braking tests for the Sea Vixen D.3 programme.

On 9 October 1980 the Royal Navy took it on as instructional airframe A2700 at RNAS Culdrose. Painted to resemble a Sea Harrier, it was used for deck handling training. It moved to the Fleet Air Arm Museum on 9 March 1989 and was returned to its P.1127 appearance.

XP980 is listed in Hall 4 with the museum's jet and V/STOL exhibits; look for the tall fin and down-angled tailplane it pioneered for the Harrier.