In 1978 the decision was reached between the Royal Navy and British Aerospace, to convert two Hunters to T.8M standard, to train the next generation of Sea Harrier pilots, XL580 was later added to the contract as a third T.8M.
It was the last of the three to fly again after conversion, and after a period of trials with BAe it was released for Fleet Air service during August 1981. XL580 entered service with RN 899 Squadron based at RNAS Yeovilton, originally wearing the call-sign '717' but it was later changed to  '719'. In 1988 it was re-coded for a third and final time, becoming aircraft number '723', and it kept this identity throughout the rest of its Navy career. 

In 1994 the aircraft was officially retired from service and was placed in open storage next to the FRADU hangars.
During late 1994 it was offered for disposal and was entered into the November 1994 Sotheby's auction.
At this time the Fleet Air Arm Museum realised that XL580, given its illustrious Navy history, would make a fine addition to their exhibits. They moved quickly to secure the airframe, and it was withdrawn from sale and moved into the Museum storage hangar at Yeovilton. Over the period of 1999/2000 the aircraft completed a restoration programme and became on the founder exhibits in the FAAM exhibition 'Leading Edge' which opened in July 2000.

It is on display today, and is complete apart from the engine and two ejection seats, which have been removed.

In 1978 it was selected to undergo the modification to T.8M status by British Aerospace at Brough.
XL602 was the prototype T.8M and the first to be converted, and first flown in 1979. It was retained by BAe for various trials, operating from BAe Holme-on-Spalding Moor in Yorkshire. With the closure of the airfield, XL602 flew south to BAe Dunsfold where it re-started trials work in conjunction with the Sea Harrier FRS.1 on avionics integration tests.
It continued as an avionics tool during the FRS Mk.1 development period, and then as a target and chase plane during the Sea Harrier FRS Mk2 programme. In 15 years of service with BAe she carried out 707 flights, before being retired in March 1994. 

On 30th of the month the aircraft departed Dunsfold for the to be delivered to RNAS Yeovilton flown by Rod Frederiksen and accompanied by Tim Hall. At Yeovilton she would be operated by the FRADU continuing her role as a target plane for Sea Harrier trials. In 1995 it was retired and put up for disposal. 

Barry Pearson subsequently acquired the aircraft and it was ferried to its new home at Exeter during late 1995.
It was maintained in airworthy condition for the 1996 and 1997 airshow seasons before a major overhaul was begun in 1999.
The aircraft was ground run for the first time in over four years by the Hunter Flying Club during the latter part of July 2003.

During late 2005, the aeroplane was sold to a new owner, and it is currently undergoing a full overhaul at Exeter.
Further news on the project will be posted here when available.

During 1978 XL603 was chosen to be the second T.8M conversion by British Aerospace.
After the work was completed the aircraft spent time with the Royal Aircraft Establishment at RAE Bedford before being delivered to Yeovilton during 1983. It was officially handed over to RN 899 Squadron and initially given the call-sign '718' but it later changed to '720/VL'. After being repainted in the all grey scheme that all Sea Harriers wear today during 1988 it was re-coded '724' and served with the Squadron until retirement in 1994. 

After a period of storage it was put up for disposal and purchased by a private buyer, who moved it to Bruntingthorpe airfield in Leicestershire. The aircraft was subsequently sold to USA-based Global Aviation Inc. and was dismantled and shipped over.
A restoration programme was commenced to bring it back into an airworthy condition.

It's current status and location are unknown - (CAN YOU HELP WITH INFORMATION??!!)