Operation
The Harrier Jump Jet, capable of taking off vertically, can only do so at less than its maximum weight. In most cases the aircraft does a short take off where it gains forward speed and thus aerodynamic lift, saving fuel.
On aircraft carriers a ramp is frequently employed at the end of the carrier which allows the aircraft to accelerate along the carrier and then use a lower amount of fuel to take to the air.
Landings are also typically performed very differently. Although a conventional landing is possible, the range of speeds that this can be done over is narrow (due to relatively vulnerable outrigger undercarriage). Operationally the aircraft therefore usually does a near vertical landing with some forward speed.
Read more about this topic: Harrier Jump Jet
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