The Harrier is usually flown in STOVL mode, which enables it to carry a higher fuel or weapon load over a given distance. In V/STOL the VTOL aircraft moves horizontally along the runway before taking off using vertical thrust. This gives aerodynamic lift as well as thrust lift and permits taking off with heavier loads and is more efficient. When landing the aircraft is much lighter due to the loss of propellant weight and a controlled vertical landing is possible. An important aspect of Harrier STOL operations aboard naval carriers is the "ski jump" raised forward deck, which gives the craft additional vertical momentum at takeoff.
the harrier is usually flown in stovl mode which enables it to carry a higher fuel or weapon load over a given distance in v/stol the vtol aircraft moves horizontally along the runway before taking off using vertical thrust this gives aerodynamic lift as well as thrust lift and permits taking off with heavier loads and is more efficient when landing the aircraft is much lighter due to the loss of propellant weight and a controlled vertical landing is possible an important aspect of harrier stol operations aboard naval carriers is the "ski jump" raised forward deck which gives the craft additional vertical momentum at takeoff