The Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3 is a V/STOL aircraft developed from the airframe of the original Harrier GR.1. The advanced version retained the distinctive propulsion configuration based on the Rolls-Royce Pegasus vectored-thrust turbofan engine, but featured enhanced attack capabilities thanks to the adoption of a laser rangefinder for target acquisition and tracking, integrated into the nose. The Harrier GR.3 could in fact also employ more modern and advanced laser-guided weapons. Its great operational flexibility can be summed up by its ability to operate in winter conditions from improvised bases, with short take-off runways and airfield infrastructure established in a short period of time. In this way, the Harrier could operate in close proximity to ground troops and very near a potential front line.
