Seen some 51 years after my first photo here, this Kestrel was flown for two years from 1964 as XS688 by pilots from the UK, USA and West Germany in the Tripartite Evaluation Squadron (TES) at RAF West Raynham. Six of these trial aircraft then came to the US where the US armed forces conducted additional testing designated as XV-6As. Although the USAF did not order it, the US Marine Corps and RAF did of course operate the follow-on Harrier for several decades. In 1970 64-18262 became the first aircraft to be airlifted in a C-5 Galaxy when it was flown from Edwards to the USAFM

Taken on strength with the Tripartite Evaluation Squadron (TES), West Raynham in June 1964 as XS688, in 1966 this Kestrel was one of six transferred to the USA as XV-6As for further trials. In 1970 it was delivered by air aboard a C-5A from Edwards to Wright-Patterson AFB and is seen here sans nose wheel

The British-built Kestrel was the prototype version of the Harrier and became the world's first operational VSTOL fighter with the RAF in 1969. As XS688 this was one of six Kestrels that came to Edwards AFB for US armed forces testing and subsequent entry into service with the US Marine Corps. This example is now on display in the R&D Gallery of the NMUSAF.

Initially flew as XS688 with the Tripartite Evaluation Squadron before being allocated to the USA for further tests.