Hi Chris, Yes, it can take off vertically. When I saw the Add-on included the Harrier I thought "no big deal". Then once I flew it, it's actually a blast. You can vector the thrust of the side nozzles (like the real one) with a flap knob or 3 position switch. You basically take off like a heli but then point the nozzles aft and away she goes. It also has thrust outlets on the wingtips (again like the full-scale) so when you're in a hover you can peg the aileron and it will spin like a top!