McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II

Imagine: Wikimedia Commons

The AV-8B Harrier II pioneered V/STOL ground-attack flight, eliminating runway dependence through vectored thrust. A US-UK collaboration first flying in 1978, this single-seat aircraft carried ordnance 2,200 kilometers while sustaining 1,083 km/h, redefining tactical air support.