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  • Published: 9 July 2026
  • ISBN: 9781405985468
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $32.00
Categories:

Jump Jet

The Secret History of the Harrier




The fascinating and unexpected story of the iconic Harrier jump jet, and the British engineer who built it

The story of visionary British engineer Ralph Hooper who against the odds – and against rivals like NASA and US aviation giants – to build the iconic Harrier jump jet, for decades the world’s only successful vertical take-off and landing combat aircraft. In the teeth of powerful opposition back home, Hooper’s ingenuity, bloody-mindedness and insight then went on to rescue the biggest defence programme in history – the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. This is an underdog story celebrating an unappreciated British genius by a writer who knows the story better than anyone else in the world.

  • Published: 9 July 2026
  • ISBN: 9781405985468
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $32.00
Categories:

About the author

Michael Pryce

Michael Pryce studied the history of technology, completed a PhD and ended up working on aircraft projects, from the famous Harrier jump jet to electric ‘flying taxis.’ Mike was an independent science and technology advisor to the UK Government, work that led to ‘Team Tempest’ – the future of fighter design. In between aviation projects he helped build Amazon when it was a company selling books. Despite his plane mania he ditched a visit to Top Gun to become a parent, so he thinks he has his priorities straight.