As Bill Gunston says in his introduction : ’The aircraft described in this book is unique. By the seemingly simple process of vectored thrust it can take-off vertically, hover in the air, fly backwards or sideways, and land vertically. So can helicopters (...) ’

The Modern Combat Aircraft series comprised a number of hardback books focusing on military aircraft operated by NATO and the West.

Each volume included a concise development history and a look at the aircraft’s operational career. Specifications and production details normally appeared in an appendix. The illustrations mainly comprised b+w photos, plus 6 or 8 pages of colour photos. Most volumes included 3-view line drawings and/or a cutaway line drawing.
b+w photos, 6-8 pages colour photos, line drawings & diagrams 

1 - F-4 Phantom by Bill Gunston First published: Aug 1977
 
2 - General Dynamics F-111 by Bill Gunston First published: June 1978
 
3 - F-14 Tomcat by Arthur Reed First published: Aug 1978
 
4 - F-86 Sabre by Maurice Allward First published: Nov 1978
 
5 - BAC Lighting by Arthur Reed First published: 1978
 
6 - Panavia Tornado by Bill Gunston First published: May 1980
 
7 – Buccaneer by Maurice Allward First published: Feb 1981
 
8 - B-52 Stratofortress by Jeff Ethell & Joe Christy First published: Mar 1981
 
9 - F-104 Starfighter by Arthur Reed First published: May 1981
 
10 - F-105 Thunderchief by Jerry Scutts First published: July 1981
 
11 - V-Bombers by Robert Jackson First published: Aug 1981
 
12 - F-15 Eagle by Jeff Ethell First published: Nov 1981
 
13 – Harrier by Bill Gunston First edn: 112 pages. Post-Falklands War revised edition, Sept 1982
 

14 - Sepecat Jaguar by Arthur Reed First published: 1982

15 - Hawker Hunter by Robert Jackson First published: Dec 1982
 
16 - F-16 Fighting Falcon by Bill Gunston First published: April 1983
 
17 - C-130 Hercules by Arthur Reed First published: April 1984
 
18 - Westland Sea King by John Chartres First published: Sept 1984
 
19 - UH-1 Iroquois/AH-1 Hueycobra by Jerry Scutts First published: Oct 1984
 
20 - BAe Hawk by Arthur Reed First published: Jan 1985
 
21 - SAAB Viggen by Robert F. Dorr. First published: June 1985
 
22 - F/A-18 Hornet by Bill Gunston First published: Sept 1985
 
23 – Mirage by Paul Jackson First published: Oct 1985
 
24 - BAe Nimrod by John Chartres First published: April 1986
 
25 - Northrop F-5/F-20 by Jerry Scutts First published: June 1986
 
26 - Grumman A-6 Intruder/Prowler by Anthony M. Thornborough/Peter E. Davies First published: May 1987
 
27 - Boeing KC-135 Stratotanke by Robert F. Dorr First published: Oct 1987
 
28 - A-10 Thunderbolt II by Mike Spick First published: Nov 1987

Volume 13 on the Harrier was re-issued after the Falkands War, with additional material added to reflect it’s key role in that conflict.
As Bill Gunston says in his introduction : « The aircraft described in this book is unique. By the seemingly simple process of vectored thrust it can take-off vertically, hover in the air, fly backwards or sideways, and land vertically. So can helicopters ; but the Harrier can also make a running take-off burdened with a much heavier useful load, accelerate forwards over a sloping ramp that catapults it high into the air, fly at supersonic speed, and make « unbelievable » flight manœuvres using viffing (vectoring in forward flight) so that the engine thrust pushes it round sharp cornerd. No helicopter can do this and, so far as we know in the West, neither can any other of man’s flying machines.
’I doubt if there is anyone remotely interested in aviation who is not broadly familiar with what a Harier can do. Milions have watched the strange birds perform at air shows. But in 20 years the number sold has been trivial : for example, about 100 for the RAF and about 100 for the US Marines. One is left with two conclusions : either jet V/STOL (vertical or short take-off and landind) is not worth having, or the world’s airforces have got it wrong. And there is not the slightest doubt it is the second conclusionthat is correct.’
This book by one of the world’s outstanding aviation writers is thus more than just a technical description of a remarkable aeroplane. It examine the rôle of the Harrier in the defence of the West and it pulls no punches in its criticism of those in authority who throughout the Harrier’s development have failed to grasp its significance and potential. Fullly illustrated both photographs and line drawings it makes an important and controversial addition to ian Allan’s higly successful series.