Apart from the Soviet Jak 36 and the Lockheed X-35 JSF that is still on trial, the BAe Harrier is still the only vertical short take-off aircraft in the world. The design of this jet fighter dates back to the 1950s. Originally a tactical combat plane was designed around the novel landing gear. The first prototype made the first ever transition from vertical to horizontal flight in September 1961. The jet nozzles that swivel through 90 degrees first bring the aircraft to a safe altitude, according to the nozzle position they produce the necessary propulsive thrust until the aircraft is carried by sufficient buoyancy and speed to enable it to change over to horizontal flight. The maximum speed is 1,186 km/h. The Harrier officially went into service in 1969 and since then has been upgraded many times.