It's amazing to think that it's 50 years this last Nov19th since the prototype achieved free flight. Bit like Bleriot Monoplanes still being in service when Bill Bedford flew the P1127.
But the P1127 and its successors had undergone 50 years of continuous development.
I remember you flying G-VTOL at Yeovilton in the early 70's , and was very nearly blown over as you took off from your parking spot opposite the old tower ! FANTASTIC MACHINE !! FANTASTIC FLYING !!
I also remember a show-stopping Farley VTO and rocket-ship climb on G-VTOL, providing inspiration and pride in the early days of my career, SBAC 1980. I'm proud to have supported the UK Harrier II fleet from various "back offices" for most of the past 25 years; standing on the shoulders of giants such as Ralph Hooper and Gordon Lewis, and following evangelists like JFF.