The aircraft has been refurbished for static display and features a unique gloss black paint scheme that was specifically requested by the client who commissioned the project.

The restoration project began in early 2021, after Jet Art Aviation acquired three Sea Harrier airframes through a competitive disposal tender from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The airframes were dismantled at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose in Cornwall, transported 400 miles north to Jet Art Aviation’s headquarters, and reassembled for restoration.

ZH811 previously served at the Royal Navy School of Flight Deck Operations at RNAS Culdrose to support the training of ground crew using live taxiing Sea Harriers. The initial restoration phase involved sourcing missing parts and rebuilding the airframe over 12 months in Yorkshire.

By March 2022 the aircraft was moved to Airbourne Colours' facility at East Midlands Airport for painting. The aircraft’s new home was to be with a private client who had commissioned the restoration with a specific brief to apply an all-gloss black scheme to match other aircraft in his collection.

The client’s brief was to source external stores and ‘arm the aircraft to the teeth’ with inert missiles. The aim was to create something that looked both beautiful and lethal at the same time. An 18-month search finally yielded a pair of inert drill round Sea Eagle anti-shipping missiles. After restoration in all gloss white finish the missiles are now fitted to the wing inboard pylons along with a replica mock up pair of AMRAAMs made specifically for the project fitted on the belly pylons.

Sea Harrier FA.2s were retired from active service by the Fleet Air Arm in March 2006. Notably, ZH811 holds the distinction of being the last Sea Harrier to land at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, on March 28, 2006. As such, it is the last fighter aircraft entirely designed and made in the UK to be retired from service.