ZD581 first took to the skies on June 14, 1985, as a Sea Harrier FRS1. Shortly after, on August 29, 1985, it joined 899 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton. Between February 26, 1996, and November 1997, the aircraft underwent a conversion to a Sea Harrier FA2. In September 2004, ZD581 was retired from flying duties, joining the rest of the Sea Harrier fleet in their final chapter.

Today, ZD581 is privately owned but stored outdoors, exposed to the elements, where its condition continues to deteriorate. The aircraft is incomplete, in poor condition, and parts for restoration are increasingly scarce. Fewer than 30 Sea Harriers remain globally, scattered between museums and private collections, each in varying states of preservation.

While returning ZD581 to airworthiness is not feasible due to missing components and the challenges of sourcing replacements, our goal is to fully restore the aircraft to its original, complete state. We plan to leverage cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality to create an unparalleled simulated experience that captures the essence of flying this iconic aircraft. Once restored, ZD581 will be available to the public, serving as a living legacy to these groundbreaking jets and the achievements of British aviation.

Our long-term vision involves the restoration and preservation of multiple Sea Harriers for public engagement. However, our journey begins with ZD581—the only aircraft available to us today that underwent the original FRS1-to-FA2 conversion.

Restoring ZD581 will be a multi-year endeavor, but during this process, the public will have opportunities to visit, observe, and even participate in the restoration through hands-on workshops and educational programs. Our mission is not just about preserving these aircraft; it’s about sharing their history, celebrating their legendary status, and inspiring future generations. These aircraft changed the course of aviation through their revolutionary technologies, and together, we can ensure that their legacy endures.