The first VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) fighter plane was the Hawker Siddeley Harrier, which made its initial flight in 1960. Unlike other VTOL aircraft such as helicopters, Harriers are capable of travelling at supersonic speeds, which is faster than the speed of sound. These British-made Harriers were the first to be in full working order, and since the late 1960's have been in service with both the British and American Air Forces.
By utilising the downward drive of its jet engine, the jump jet is able to take off vertically from the ground and therefore requires no runway. If the engine's exhausts are turned backwards the wings can then deliver lift in the regular way.
To carry out the transition of vertical take off to forward flight, the nozzles must turn in order to point the air jets at an angle. This causes the force to be broken into both raising power and forward thrust. As the aircraft then starts to fly forwards, the wings assist in producing the lift. As the forward flight speed begins to increase and sufficient lift is provided, the nozzles direct the air jets rearwards. The resulting reaction will now only propel the jet forwards.