Harrier on the Guam A Blueprint for the 1970's 720853

V/STOL Aircraft Trials on the Guam have, for the first time, explored the innovative concepts of the Sea Control Ship. An integral part of these trials are the Harrier operations. The Harrier, acquired by the United States Marines and operating frequently as an arm of the prototype Sea Control Ship (Guam), has provided the versatile fixed wing aircraft characteristics that are needed to explore this emerging concept. Derivative aircraft, more optimized for these roles, offer the United States Navy a high confidence, agile weapon system that will have been conceptually evaluated in the initial trials. Integration of the aircraft with the ship has been easily demonstrated, and the Harrier on the Guam provides a Blueprint for the 1970's.