Strike Force Harrier

Strike Force Harrier is a combat flight simulation that puts you in the cockpit of the British Harrier jump jet, known for its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities . Your mission is to attack an enemy base 250 miles away, defended by MiG fighters, SAM sites, and tanks . The game cannot be cleared in one sortie—each sector must be cleared to establish landing, refuelling, and rearming bases for advancing land forces . A cockpit HUD displays essential flight information, while a radar screen plots enemy positions nearby. Red traces warn of incoming missiles, requiring evasive action . You can play on two levels: as a straightforward "zap-the-enemy" combat game or as a complex flight simulator with over 30 controls to manage .

DOS

Released in 1986/1988 by Mirrorsoft for MS-DOS, with the Harrier's unique vectored thrust system faithfully reproduced—in dogfights, you can shift engine direction to flip behind an enemy . The display is split between a first-person cockpit view and a control panel with HUD showing status information . The DOS port features three skill levels, two practice modes (basic flight and combat), and VTOL correctly implemented . Graphics use low-resolution mode and are described as "a bit drab" but adequate, with fast but somewhat jerky animation . The objective is arcade-style: destroy enemy headquarters while protecting your own bases to rearm and refuel . The game requires keyboard controls (no mouse support) and is compatible with DOSBox . Critical reception notes it as a "fun 'light' sim" too simple for veterans but engaging for newcomers, though replayability is low .