This explores the development of the jet fighter from the first-generation Meteor and Vampire which entered service with the RAF and Fleet Air Arm. Each type is examined, looking at how the design was created and how this translated into an operational aircraft. Other types explored are the Hunter, Lightning, Phantom, Javelin and Tornado F2/3.
Both a comprehensive work of reference and an authoritative history, this book covers the origins of the aircraft from both the P1040 and P1052 swept-wing versions and moves through design and development of the twin-seat, dual-control Hunter T7 to the 'ultimate' FGA.Mk.9.
The story of the RAF's versatile V-bomber and workhorse that was instrumental to victory in the Falkland Islands conflictAfter the success of the Halifax bomber that pulverized the Third Reich, Handley Page soon looked at new designs. In 1947, they developed a new bomber that could drop the atom bomb on Moscow. The Victor was born, one of three V-bombers with the Valiant and Vulcan. The first Victor B.1s came off the production line in early 1956 and proved to be a remarkable bomber—a pilot inadvertently achieved Mach 1.1 in a 1- or 2-degree dive. By 1959, minor improvements saw the B.2 variant take shape. But by the early 1960s, Handley Page was in trouble as the government merged aviation companies and the future of the Victor was in doubt. Many Victors were scrapped, with surviving examples converted into fuel tankers. Seeing action twice, the Victor was the unsung hero of the Falklands conflict as it was the only aircraft with the range to fuel a Vulcan on the famous Black Buck raid. The Victor also pounded Saddam Hussein's forces in 1991, dropping 35 1,000-lb bombs.
Vulcan: God of Fire is a historical account of Britain's nuclear deterrent force, the development of atomic/thermonuclear weapons and the bombers. Further coverage includes the use of the Vulcan as a refuelling tanker and reconnaissance platform, and the Vulcan XH558, whose last flight was on 28 October 2015.
From the iconic Vulcan to the latest generation of Typhoon aircraft, this fascinating and highly illustrated book tells how each design was created and translated into operational aircraft. The book gives a detailed account on how specific aircraft types were envisaged, created, developed and manufactured together with their service history.
This is a welcome revised and enhanced second editionof this comprehensive, accurate and honest account of the TSR2 strike aircraft's fascinating story, tracing the project's development from its Cold War origins in the 1950's to its final cancellation in 1965. Aimed at aviation historians and those interested in the history of military technology, the book examines the RAF's TSR2 project in detail, eliminating the many myths and misconceptions that have surrounded this aircraft for decades. Although much has been written about the TSR2's history, a great deal of misinformation has been published on this subject which this book dismisses presenting the reader with a complete and realistic overview of the entire project. This book deals with the facts and not the emotion, speculation and fantasy which has plagued the subject for so long. It presents a detailed, factual and very readable account of the development and subsequent demise of TSR2 project. For this new edition an additional chapter concerning the F-111K, extracts from the TSR2 Crew Manual and other declassified technical TSR2 documentation, has been provided by Tony Buttler, the author of our respected British Secret Projects series who has researched this era of British military aviation for many years.
Designed by a team led by Roy Chadwick, the man responsible for the legendary Lancaster, the Vulcan was created to carry Britain's nuclear deterrent in the 1950s and 1960s. Avro's delta-winged colossus became the backbone of the V-Force until the very end of the 1960s when the deterrent role passed to the Navy's Polaris submarine fleet. The Vulcan remained in RAF service as a tactical low-level bomber armed with conventional and nuclear weapons, and was only retired following the introduction of the Panavia Tornado. This is both a comprehensive work of reference and an authoritative history. It covers the origins of the Vulcan and delta-winged flight, details of every major production variant, reproduces extracts from the Vulcan's original Aircrew Manual and has appendices on both squadron disposal and the fate of every Vulcan built. Also included is a wealth of information and anecdotes from former Vulcan air and ground crews, describing from first-hand experience what it was like to live with the mighty Vulcan. The narrative is complimented with many photographs, scale drawings and color profiles making this book the definitive history of this superb aircraft and an essential addition to the libraries of aviation historians and modellers. Additional photographs have been added to this new edition.