Hi, New Bloke. Welcome.
Re: your question about prototype Harrier,
the aircraft was originally the P1127.
XP831 first flew tethered 21oct1960 and then untethered hover on 19Nov1960.Flew conventionally at Bedford 13mar1961 and then ,about a further six months afterwards, the first transition flights were achieved.
Sometime around this time the aircraft became known as the Kestrel.
I seem to remember it achieved its first Carrier landing during 1963 on board HMS Ark Royal,flown by Bill Bedford.
I also remember,on the other hand,an amazing display by John Farley at Leicester in the two-seater Harrier,in the most appalling of weather conditions,when the first most knew of his arrival was when the spray cleared; none of the approach could be seen as the cloud was so low !!
I was on Hunter GA11s then and the whole episode at that time was unbelievable. Absolute PFM,John.
Remember the Leicestershire Aero Club sticker that you took back with you ??
Sail Army.