Air forces and warfare Books

Book SynopsisExplores the conversion of post-WWII U.S. military aircraft into remotely piloted drones, including secret projects.This is an account of a fascinating but largely unknown aspect of post World War 2 US military aviation history, the conversion and use of former frontline aircraft to serve as remotely piloted drones. This story begins as far back as the 1920s, gains momentum during World War 2 and peaks with the postwar glut of airframes during the Cold War era.The list of manned aircraft converted to drones over the decades is long and includes at least the following: P-12, B-17, PB4Y-2, SB2C, F-80, T-33, F6F, F-86, B-29, B-47, F9F Panther and Cougar, F-100, F-102, F-104, F-106, F-4, F-16, P-39 and Boeing 720. These aircraft were used in a wide range of capacities; as test beds, flying bombs and targets for missiles and other aircraft to intercept and shoot down. One example of the sort of secret projects covered by this book, was a postwar scheme to use remotely controlled B-29s as one-way nuclear delivery devices under the code name Banshee.Since the 1970s the author has visited a number of drone sites, including the plant that converted F-100s and F-102s as well as ranges where drones were used. His files include many photographs, mostly never previously published of the many and varied types of drone which were created including the last B-17G Boeing that rolled out the door in Seattle and was ultimately consumed as a QB-17 drone.Aviation historians and enthusiasts will find so much of interest in this genuinely original, thoroughly researched, well-illustrated and utterly absorbing book which explores in detail a neglected but compelling aspect of recent US military aviation history.

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Book SynopsisThe Argentinian Aircraft Factory, Fábrica Argentina de Aviones SA (FAdeA), is Argentina''s main aircraft manufacturer. Founded in 1927 and located in Córdoba for most of its existence it was known as Fábrica Militar de Aviones (FMA) until its privatisation in the 1990s when it became part of Lockheed Martin. In 2009, it was renationalised and the company is now once again wholly owned by the Argentine government.Initially, the factory produced aircraft built under licence from companies such as Avro but it is best known for making the first jet fighter aircraft in Latin America: the Pulqui I (1947) and the Pulqui II (1950) under the director of engineers Emile Dewoitine and Kurt Tank respectively. The post World War Two era was a particularly interesting one at the FAdeA with creative and innovative designers such as Reimar HOrten being involved with the business.This book is a history of the company and the aircraft it produced from the 1920s to the present day. It covers all the aircraft that were produced by the company, both those built under licence and original designs. It also examines the many projects and prototypes which were developed over the years. For all those with an interest in some of the less well-known aspects of aviation history, this book will be a revelation.

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Book SynopsisIf it can be said that adversity generates creativity, then the story of the Heinkel He 162 jet fighter is testimony to such a precept. From the summer of 1944, the adversity facing the leadership of the Third Reich was formidable. Ironically however, the very existence of such adversity prompted many inventive and radical designs for the prosecution of the air defence of the Reich on a determined and even manic scale.In the closing months of the war, at a time the Allies had assumed that they had mastered the Luftwaffe jet menace, the combined efforts of a leading German aircraft manufacturer - Ernst Heinkel AG - and a small team of dedicated civilian and military specialists achieved an almost unbelievable feat: the production of a new, jet-powered interceptor from concept, through development and testing, to operational readiness in just six months. The accomplishment of the so-called Volksjäger (the `People''s Fighter'') project was - and still is - regarded as a `miracle of production''.In this extensively researched book, aviation historians Robert Forsyth and Eddie J Creek, draw, for the first time, on previously unused Heinkel company papers to offer a unique insight into the workings of the Nazi production system in the late-war period, as well as other German and Allied documents. Their work is supported by many rare photographs and accompanied by line drawings and facsimile documents as well as highly detailed colour artwork by He 162 specialist, Simon Schatz.This is the most comprehensive history of this fascinating aircraft to be published in the English language and is a natural accompaniment to the other detailed German aircraft monographs published by Classic Publications. It will form an essential reference work to all those interested in the airpower of the Second World War.

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Book SynopsisThe Chance Vought F7U Cutlass was an innovative but flawed tail-less jet fighter that faced numerous developmental challenges and mixed operational reviews.The Chance Vought F7U Cutlass was ahead of its time. In 1948, when it first flew, it could hardly have been more exotic or state-of-the-art: a tail-less fighter to be powered by two afterburning jet engines. It was not only to be carrier-based but also climb quicker and be faster than the Air Force''s new swept-wing North American F-86 Sabre. Developmental problems resulted in it taking too long to reach operational squadrons, which partly accounts for its relatively unsuccessful career.The Cutlass was designed too soon to benefit from the discovery of the area rule, which doomed it to transonic performance in level flight. Similarly, its lack of a horizontal tail was intended in part to address the transonic pitch-control difficulties being encountered at the time but they proved to be avoidable with one. Unfortunately, no horizontal tail resulted in it not only being radical in appearance but also having challenging handling qualities at approach speed.The F7U-3''s service introduction was also accomplished before the Navy perfected a rigorous process for transitioning pilots to new airplanes, particularly important in the case of the Cutlass and its unusual handling qualities, one of which resulted in a rare aeronautical phenomenon, the post-stall gyration. It was also first deployed before the introduction of the angled-deck concept that greatly reduced the degree of difficulty in landing high-performance jet fighters back aboard a carrier.The F7U Cutlass did eventually join the fleet and deploy, albeit to mixed reviews. It is often unfairly included on shortlists of the world''s worst jet fighters. It was actually innovative in many respects. This new, detailed history of the development and operation of the type provides a more balanced perspective on what was a fascinating aircraft.

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Book SynopsisEver since man first took to the air, combat aircraft have been at the cutting edge of aviation technology, resulting in some of the greatest and most complex designs ever built. Military Aircraft features 52 of the most important military aircraft of the last hundred years. The book includes all the main types, from biplane fighters and carrier aircraft to tactical bombers, transport aircraft, multirole fighters, strategic strike aircraft and stealth bombers. Featured aircraft include: the Fokker Dr.1 triplane, the legendary fighter flown by German flying ace Manfred von Richthofen, ‘the Red Baron’, during World War I; the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, Japan’s highly-manoeuvrable fighter that dominated air-to-air combat in the early part of the Pacific War; the tank-busting Il-2 Shturmovik, the most produced aircraft in World War II; the Harrier jump jet, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter that has been service for more than 40 years; the B-2 Spirit bomber, an American precision strike aircraft used in recent conflicts in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan; and the F-22 Raptor, an air superiority fighter with state-of-the-art stealth technology that makes it almost invisible to radars. Each entry includes a brief description of the model’s development and history, a profile view, key features and specifications. Packed with more than 200 artworks and photographs, Military Aircraft is a colourful guide for the military aviation enthusiast.Table of ContentsIntroduction World War I and World War II Fokker Dr.1 Sopwith Camel SPAD XIII Junkers Ju 87 Stuka Messerschmitt Bf 109 Hawker Hurricane Supermarine Spitfire Mk V Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Junkers Ju 88 Mitsubishi A6M Zero Douglas SBD-1 Dauntless North American B25 Mitchell Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Douglas C-47 Skytrain De Havilland Mosquito Ilyushin Il-2M3 Shturmovik Republic P47 Thunderbolt Avro Lancaster North American P-51 Mustang Yak-9 Grumman F6F Hellcat Me 262 B-29 Super Fortress Northrop P-61 Black Widow Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star Cold War and Modern Era North American F-86 Sabre MiG-17 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress Lockheed C-130 Hercules Avro Vulcan MiG-21 MD F-4 Phantom II Lockheed SR71 General Dynamics F-111 AV-8B Harrier II Lockheed C-5 Galaxy Tupolev Tu-22M 'Backfire' Grumman F-14 Tomcat MD F-15E Eagle Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon Panavia Tornado GR.Mk 1 Dassault Mirage 2000H MiG-29 'Fulcrum' MD F/A-18 Hornet Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker'/Su-34 Northrop B-2 Spirit Dassault Rafale Eurofighter Typhoon Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Index

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES NON FICTION BESTSELLER WHSmith NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2018'The best book you will ever read about Britain's greatest warplane' Patrick Bishop, bestselling author of Fighter Boys‘A rich and heartfelt tribute to this most iconic British machine’ Rowland White, bestselling author of Vulcan 607 'As the RAF marks its centenary, Nichol has created a thrilling and often moving tribute to some of its greatest heroes' Mail on Sunday magazine  The iconic Spitfire found fame during the darkest early days of World War II. But what happened to the redoubtable fighter and its crews beyond the Battle of Britain, and why is it still so loved today? In late spring 1940, Nazi Germany’s domination of Europe had looked unstoppable. With the British Isles in easy reach since the fall of France, Adolf Hitler Trade Review‘A rich and heartfelt tribute to this most iconic British machine. By focussing on the men (and women) who flew the Spitfire, John Nichol has brought a fresh and powerful perspective to the story. And by recording their bravery, humility, camaraderie, tragedy and sheer joy in flying their beloved Spits he has done them - and us - a valuable service’ -- Rowland White - author of Vulcan 607'The best book you will ever read about Britain's greatest warplane.' -- Patrick Bishop, bestselling author of Fighter Boys'As the RAF marks its centenary, Nichol has created a thrilling and often moving tribute to some of its greatest heroes.' -- Jon Dennis * Mail on Sunday magazine *'A stirring portrait of a piece of aviation art in motion flown by the bravest of the brave. Nichol's Spitfire is still a sky-borne prima ballerina that kicks like Bruce Lee.' * RAF News *'A superb and compelling book. Brilliantly written with some incredible and astonishing stories; it is gripping, moving, emotional and sometimes humorous – just perfect' -- Squadron Leader (Ret) Clive Rowley, former Officer Commanding RAF Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight'A superb journey through the remarkable tale of that British icon, the Spitfire. Brilliantly and engagingly written, this is the most readable story of the aircraft and her pilots that I have ever had the pleasure to read in a period spanning some forty-odd years of personal study and research. Truly stunning.' -- Andy Saunders, Editor * Britain at War Magazine *‘It packs such an emotional punch. If you don't believe an object can bring you to tears and instil such passion - read this book, it will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.’ -- Stephen McEntee, WHSmith non-fiction buyer'A rich tribute to Britain's greatest warplane' * Sunday Times Culture *

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Book SynopsisThis is a personal account written by a man reflecting on his time as a young pilot with the Royal Flying Corps in France during the First World War, who eventually became an ace. It is a story of survival against the odds at a time when the conduct of air operations depended so much on individual skills, innovation, courage – and luck. Hugh White flew F.E.2D Scout aircraft with 20 Squadron as a reconnaissance patrol pilot aged just eighteen. By his nineteenth birthday he was a flight commander and the most experienced pilot on the squadron. He then became a flight commander on 29 Squadron flying the S.E.5a which was Britain’s best fighter aircraft at the time. During the two years of flying, he experienced and survived a series of escapades including a dramatic mid-air collision with the enemy. Told by Hugh in his own words, he gives a unique insight into war in the air. With the break-up of his squadron and being reduced to a substantive rank – simply because of his young age – Hugh’s writing ends in 1919. From this point, the story is continued by his younger son Chris. He describes Hugh’s life and RAF career from flying Bristol Fighters in India during the 1920s, undertaking engineer training at Henlow, to commanding 501 Squadron in the mid-1930s and becoming a full-time technical officer until his retirement as an air vice-marshal in 1955. This book includes a foreword by Air Marshal Sir Frederick Sowrey (Hugh’s nephew) which puts Hugh White’s early wartime service into context. It is a timely reminder, following the centenary of the end of the First World War, of the difficulties that young pilots faced at the time. A must-read for those interested in wartime exploits.

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Book SynopsisThis title tells the story of the greatest night bomber of World War II, illustrated with over 275 photographs. It takes you through the design, development, construction and history of the Lancaster, as well as its role in the major battles of the war. It includes first-hand accounts from people who lived through the war in Germany and in Britain, as well as profiles of the pilots who flew and fought over Europe. Stunning photographs of the planes themselves and of the destruction wrought on its target cities bring the devastating power of these machines to life. It features a fascinating and engaging narrative written by a leading military history expert. "The Lancaster Bomber" led the air offensive in the darkest days of World War II. This book describes how the plane was developed to fit into an entirely new role in warfare, and explains how the Lancaster could take the war to the enemy to devastating effect. Also covered is the production of the plane and the modifications made throughout its lifetime. This book shows what it was like to fly a Lancaster over the flak-filled skies of Nazi Germany, and lists where surviving planes can be seen today. This fascinating text is the ultimate reference for anybody with an interest in military history or aviation.

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Book SynopsisExplores the development and history and an A-Z of over 170 aircraft, with 600 photographs, in a new fully updated edition.

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Book SynopsisThe sixth volume of this popular series focuses on the early months of the hugely significant air campaign against German assets across South-East Europe. Each are described in minute detail, including the actions of Germany's Axis allies such as Hungary, Rumania and Bulgaria that were encountered for the first time by the Western Allies.

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Book SynopsisIn this, the sixth of Dilip Sarkar's unprecedented eight-volume series, the day-by-day events occurring in the fourth phase of the Battle of Britain are chronicled and set within a much wide context, including the operations of Bomber and Coastal Commands and the Home Front. Renowned for his evidence-based approach, the author has returned to primary sources, the analysis arising often challenging our previous understanding and the popular narrative. In Volume 5, Target London: 7 September 1940 17 September 1940, the beginning of the Blitz was explored at length. This illuminated the inescapable fact that Luftwaffe air intelligence completely failed to understand how Fighter Command was organised and controlled, nor that it was replacement pilots, not aircraft, that was Air Chief Marshal Dowding's greatest concern. Indeed, on 15 September 1940, Luftwaffe aircrews were briefed to expect but a token resistance over London from the last handful of RAF fighters their morale shattered when their first attack was met by over 300, the second by nearly as many. This convinced Hitler that the Luftwaffe could not achieve the aerial superiority needed for the invasion of Britain to proceed. Two days later Operation Seelöwe was postponed indefinitely'. Reichsmarschall Herman Göring, however, still believed that the Luftwaffe could prevail and so continued attacking the UK, changing tack, yet again. As London had proved it could take it', the Luftwaffe, whilst continuing to bomb the capital by night, now focussed its daylight attacks on the British aircraft industry. Naturally the Supermarine Spitfire factory at Southampton was a primary target; it was subsequently badly hit, with great loss of life. Other factories, in the West Country, were also targeted, and, owing to a navigation error due to cloud cover, the picturesque town of Sherborne was devasted on 30 September 1940. By that date, however, it was clear that Göring's He 111 force was unable to continue absorbing such losses and the type was exclusively switched to night-bombing thereby substantially reducing the German daylight bombing force. On 20 September 1940, Me 109 fighter-bombers attacked London, and going forward the next and final phase would see such attacks, and high-flying fighter sweeps, dominate the daytime arena. Such raids, though, were never going to defeat Britain, so it is fair to say that the period reviewed in this volume really did see the Daylight defeat' of the Luftwaffe over England in 1940 and the events involved are interpreted and recounted in great detail.

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Book SynopsisIn the summer of 1940, Britain stood alone. For three long months, brave young RAF pilots took off every day, ready to defend British skies against large-scale Luftwaffe raide. 'The Few' were young, but they were trained and they were determined. Eighty years on the last of the pilots to fly in the Battle of Britain are feted, and their part in World War II is widely remembered.This pocket manual covers the training that these young pilots would have had, and the air combat tactics they were taught to use against the German raiders. It also covers the role of the ground crews; control and command systems; anti-aircraft defences; and radar and raid detection.Trade ReviewA good and affordable one-stop shop for all sorts of useful info. * The Aviation Historian Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Pilot Training 2. Radar and Raid Detection 3. Command and Control 4. Anti-Aircraft Defence 5. Air Combat Tactics 6. Ground Crew Operations

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Book SynopsisIllustrated with detailed artworks of modern military aircraft and their markings with exhaustive captions and specifications, Technical Guide: Modern Military Aircraft is an extensively researched review of the military aircraft deployed by the world’s air forces in recent conflicts in the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and elsewhere. Organised alphabetically by manufacturer, this book includes every type of aircraft in use in the world today, from the F-22 Raptor through the Dassault Mirage 2000 to the MiG-29 and Su-33. The book includes multirole fighters, ground attack aircraft, high-level bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, carrier aircraft, and unmanned drones. The guide is illustrated with profile artworks, three-views, and special cutaway artworks of the more famous aircraft in service, such as the F-15E Strike Eagle, Sukhoi Su-27 and Eurofighter Typhoon. Illustrated with more than 110 artworks, Technical Guide: Modern Military Aircraft is an essential reference guide for modellers and enthusiasts with an interest in modern military aircraft.Table of ContentsContents to include: Fifth Generation Fighters Su-57 J-20 F-35 F-22 4.5 Generation Fighters Su-30 Su-35 Su-33 and J-15 J-11 & J-16 J-10 MiG-29K and MiG-29M/MiG-35 Typhoon F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet EA-18G Growler F-16 Fighting Falcon Mitsubishi F-2 F-15 Eagle and Advanced Eagle LCA Tejas JF-17 Saab JAS 39 Gripen Rafale Fourth Generation Fighters F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo MiG-29 Su-27 MiG-31 Mirage 2000 F-14 Tomcat (Iranian) F-5 Tiger II Bombers Tu-160 Tu-22M3 Tu-95MS B-1B Lancer B-2 Spirit B-52H Stratofortress H-6 Strike/Attack Aircraft Su-34 Xian JH-7 Tornado Jaguar A-10 Thunderbolt II AV-8B Harrier II Su-25 Su-24 AMX L-159 ALCA FA-50 Golden Eagle Transport and Reconnaissance Airbus A400M C-130J Hercules C-17 Globemaster III Y-9 Y-20 Airbus C295 Leonardo C-27J Spartan Mitsubishi C-2 Embraer C-390 Beriev A-50 and KJ-2000 737 AEW&C Saab Erieye E-2D Hawkeye

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Book SynopsisOpen any book on strange or abandoned aircraft projects, and you will probably find the Bristol Brabazon featured. Over the years, this huge piston-engine powered, propeller-driven airliner, designed for the vital trans-Atlantic routes, has been referred to as the white elephant of the skies', or even one of the world's worst aircraft'. But, as the author reveals, such sentiments may well be undeserved. With a wingspan and size larger than the jumbo jets we are familiar with today, the Brabazon was designed to fly just sixty or so passengers in supreme luxury from London to New York. During their flight, these lucky individuals could while away the hours at the cocktail bar, enjoy the onboard movie theatre, or have a rest in the fully furnished sleeping compartments. Born during the Second World War, the Brabazon first flew in 1949. Maybe, the author asks, it was just ahead of its time. The twin-deck design, for example, is mirrored today in the Airbus A380 airliner, and several of

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Book SynopsisThis instant Sunday Times bestseller tells the story of two fighter pilots whose remarkable encounter during the Second World War became the stuff of legend.Five days before Christmas 1943, a badly damaged American bomber struggled to fly over wartime Germany. At its controls was a twenty-one-year-old pilot. Half his crew lay wounded or dead. Suddenly a German Messerschmitt fighter pulled up on the bomber's tail - the German pilot was an ace, a man able to destroy the American bomber with the squeeze of a trigger. This is the true story of the two pilots whose lives collided in the skies that day - the American - 2nd Lieutenant Charlie Brown and the German - 2nd Lieutenant Franz Stigler.A Higher Call follows both Charlie and Franz's harrowing missions and gives a dramatic account of the moment when they would stare across the frozen skies at one another. What happened between them, the American 8th Air Force would later classify as 'top secret'. It was an act that Franz could never mention or else face a firing squad. It was the encounter that would haunt both Charlie and Franz for forty years until, as old men, they would seek out one another and reunite.Trade ReviewWell worth reading... A Higher Call pounds along with the all-action rhythm its genre seems to demand, but still manages to rescue the idea of German chivalry from cliché... A Higher Call is deeply felt by its author and deeply affecting to read. Apparently humans react more sentimentally to films and books consumed on aeroplanes than on the ground. I read this at 30,000ft... but I suspect it would have ambushed my emotions anywhere. -- Giles Whittle * The Times *A truly awe inspiring story of wartime chivalry -- Tony Rennell * Daily Mail *A riveting story of humanity and mercy set against the ghastly backdrop of war * Publishers Weekly *A remarkable story... Brown and Stigler, former enemies who became friends, died within months of each other in 2008. Their story is worth retelling and celebrating. * USA Today *

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Book SynopsisFirst published in the 1970s, Military Aircraft Markings has become an indispensable annual publication for aircraft enthusiasts, historians and students of military aviation. At the heart of Military Aircraft Markings is the most complete listing of all the aircraft of the UK Armed Forces; the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Army and associated units. For each entry the military serial, aircraft type, unit/operator and usual base are given.Further listings cover Ireland''s military aircraft and historic aircraft in military markings. Other sections of Military Aircraft Markings include American military aircraft based in Europe, overseas military aircraft which may be seen in the UK, unit markings and a unit serial number/letter de-code. In addition, the book provides a comprehensive listing of visiting aircraft from overseas air forces that may be seen during the air display season, together with a new full colour photo section.Also included are details of the UK''s main military air bases, a maintenance of unit-cross reference and detailed RAF Squadron markings. This new 2023 edition of Military Aircraft Markings has been fully revised and updated by one of Britain''s leading authorities on military aviation. This is the must-have companion for all those interested in UK military aviation.

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Book SynopsisAn updated, complete reference guide to over 65 years of military helicopters, from the first types deployed in World War II to the specialized aircraft in service today, with 500 photographs

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Book SynopsisNow a major television event from Apple TV and Steven Spielberg, and companion to Band of Brothers and The Pacific. Now a major television event from Apple TV and Steven Spielberg (starring Austin Butler, Callum Turner and Anthony Boyle) and companion to Band of Brothers and The Pacific. 'Seconds after Brady's plane was hit, the Hundredth's entire formation was broken up and scattered by swarms of single-engine planes, and by rockets launched by twin-engine planes that flew parallel' Meet the Flying Fortresses of the American Eighth Air Force, Britain's Lancaster comrades, who helped to bring down the Nazis Historian and World War II expert Donald Miller brings us the story of the bomber boys who brought the war to Hitler's doorstep. Unlike ground soldiers they slept on clean beds, drank beer in local pubs, and danced to the swing music of the travelling Air Force bands. But they were also an elite group of fighters who put their lives on the line in the most dangerous role of all. Miller takes readers from the adrenaline filled battles in the sky, to the airbases across England, the German prison camps, and onto the ground to understand the devastation faced by civilians. Drawn from interviews, oral histories, and American, British and German archives, Masters of the Air is the authoritative, deeply moving and important account of the world's first and only bomber war.

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Book SynopsisBy 1940 the Allies had fallen behind the Axis powers in parachute design and research. Other than as a means of escape from a doomed aircraft, the British regarded parachuting as of little military value. All that changed when the Germans used paratroops, the Fallschirmjager, to devastating effect in the invasion of the Low Countries, and Churchill demanded immediate action. The call went out for men who would be prepared to risk their lives testing parachutes, jumping and landing techniques. Charles Agate was a 34-year-old schoolteacher with a taste for adventure when he joined a pioneering group of mavericks at RAF Ringway in Manchester. The breath-taking risks they took alongside the essential work of the women of the WAAF changed the course of the war and the face of airborne warfare. Their work though often came at a terrible cost. Between 1941 and 1945 Agate and his fellow Parachute Jump Instructors (PJIs) completed thousands of jumps, often from low altitude or using prototype parachutes. They jumped carrying heavy kit bags, had sandbags strapped to their legs, and landed in deep freezing water. They also trained thousands of raw recruits for the key airborne operations of the war, as well as over 600 Special Operation Executive agents for dropping into enemy territory, frequently accompanying them as dispatchers on these hazardous flights. They were proud of the knowledge they were acquiring and imparting at Ringway, but, as the authors reveal, this led to disputes with the Americans over tactics and equipment as they prepared for the Allied invasion of France. Agate amassed a record 1,601 jumps and was awarded the Air Force Cross. He and his fellow PJIs at Ringway were also personally thanked by Churchill for their unique contribution to the war effort. His last jump, in 1946, with his flying suit stuffed with winnings won on a horse called Airborne at the Epsom Derby, was reported in the press worldwide. He acknowledged after the war that he had seen 21 good soldiers hit the deck' during training at RAF Ringway, and these tragedies, as well as the effects of risking his life on a daily basis, took a heavy emotional toll on him and many of the other PJIs. The Man Who Tested Parachutes explores Agate's lost' post-war years: his struggles with his mental health, and the impact on his family. It charts his journey to becoming the unconventional head teacher of a village school and his clashes with local authorities. Finally, it describes unflinchingly the last dark twist in the life of this complex man, alone in his flat overlooking the sea just before Christmas 1986. This book tells the story of an ordinary man who took extraordinary risks, and the men and women who served alongside him. It also remembers the young recruits who died before they were able to take part in the key battles for which they were being trained.

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Book SynopsisFrom 1964 to 1998, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane was the world's fastest and highest-flying operational manned aircraft. Get the insider perspective on all 50 models of this storied jet.

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Book SynopsisEntering service in early 1941, the Dornier Do 217 was designed as an improved version of the Flying Pencil', the Do 17 bomber. The Do 217E-1 twin radial-engine bomber first flew in October 1940, the same month that the production of the Do 17 ceased. The Do 217 was initially used for conventional bombing and anti-shipping missions around the United Kingdom, including the infamous Baedeker Blitz against British provincial cities in 1942. The Do 217 was the main German bomber in this theatre until late 1943, when it started to be replaced by the Messerschmitt Me 410 and Junkers Ju 188. During this period, the Do 217E was improved, leading to the introduction of the Do 217K or M, the difference between the two being the engines. The Do 217 would be deployed in all of the Luftwaffe's campaigns and fronts in the Second World War. Curiously, though, the only operational units to use the type on the Eastern Front were the night reconnaissance units, aside from which only occasionally did

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Book SynopsisMajor Dick Winters was born in Pennsylvania in 1918. He was one of the initial officers assigned to Easy Company of the 101st Airborne. Winters jumped into France on D-Day and commanded the unit now known as the Band of Brothers. Promoted to captain and then battalion commander, he led his men through the Battle of the Bulge and captured Berchtesgaden, Hitler's Bavarian retreat. Major Winters died in January 2011.Trade ReviewPraised as an exemplar of leadership, [Winters] shows here what he did to earn that praise, and how he did it * Booklist *[An] extraordinary memoir * H. R. McMaster, author of Dereliction of Duty *

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Book SynopsisContinues the detailed military history of this ongoing conflict, the largest in Europe since the end of the Second World War in 1945.On 24 February 2022, the Russian Federation launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine. Despite all predictions to the contrary, Ukraine survived the initial blow and repelled Russia?s attempts to seize Kyiv. As the war on the ground expanded from March through to June of 2022, so also it expanded in the air, and Russia?s Aerospace Forces (Vozdushno-kosmicheskiye Sily, VKS) fought the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Povitriyani syly Zbroiynyh syl Ukrayini, PSZSU).Although largely outclassed in air-to-air combat by more advanced Russian aircraft and missiles, the PSZSU continued to fight an uneven contest using its manned aircraft and ground-based air defences to deny total control of the air to the VKS. Using aircraft from rough forward operating bases and learning to conduct missile engagements using guerilla tactics to avoid Russian suppression of enemy air defence missions, Ukraine inflicted painful losses on the enemy, but not without suffering many downed aircraft, destroyed missile systems, and personnel casualties in return. On the other hand, the VKS was often just as hampered by its own muddled leadership, flawed doctrine, and lack of a clear Russian airpower strategy that rendered it closely tied to the ground war and unable to exert a decisive influence on the conflict.In parallel to the air campaign, a war of rockets and missiles was being waged against tactical, operational and strategic targets on both sides that saw extensive use of artillery rocket systems, and ballistic and cruise missiles launched from the ground, at sea and from the air. While many of these missiles would be defeated by air defence systems, or simply miss their targets, others would inflict heavy damage.Volume 7 of the War in Ukraine strand in the Europe@War series draws on a wide range of sources to provide a detailed examination of the military aspects of the air and missile campaign that developed in the skies above Ukraine between March and June 2022. It includes overviews of the weapons systems employed by both sides, analysis of the tactics, and of the successes and failures of both sides, and a detailed account of the campaign for Snake Island that would see the sinking of Moskva, flagship of the Black Sea Fleet.War in Ukraine, Volume 7: Air and Missile Warfare, March-June 2022 is extensively illustrated throughout with original colour photographs, maps, diagrams and specially commissioned colour artworks illustrating this military campaign in the air.

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Book SynopsisModern Military Aircraft is a fascinating guide to the most important military aircraft developed since World War II. This highly illustrated book features a wide range of aircraft that served in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, conflicts in the Middle East and the Falklands. Types of aircraft range from front line fighters to reconnaissance aircraft to bombers to interceptors and helicopters. Spanning such famous planes as the Lockheed Blackbird and the MiG-21, Modern Military Aircraft also includes lesser-known examples such as the South African Atlas Cheetah and the EH101 Merlin helicopter. Arranged by countries, each of the 75 featured aircraft is presented with outstanding fully annotated three-view colour artworks, development and service history, specification tables and colour and black-&-white photographs. With a wealth of information and splendidly presented, this book is a must for aviation enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroduction Czech Republic/Slovakia France Italy International Israel Japan South Africa Sweden Taiwan United Kingdom United States USSR/Russia Index

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Book SynopsisIt was to be one of the most ambitious operations since 617 Squadron bounced their revolutionary bombs into the dams of the Ruhr Valley in 1943 . . . April 1982. Argentine forces had invaded the Falkland Islands. Britain needed an answer. And fast. The idea was simple: to destroy the vital landing strip at Port Stanley. The reality was more complicated. The only aircraft that could possibly do the job was three months from being scrapped, and the distance it had to travel was four thousand miles beyond its maximum range. It would take fifteen Victor tankers and seventeen separate in-flight refuellings to get one Avro Vulcan B2 over the target, and give its crew any chance of coming back alive.Yet less than a month later, a formation of elderly British jets launched from a remote island airbase to carry out the longest-range air attack in history. At its head was a single aircraft, six men, and twenty-one thousand-pound bombs, facing the hornet's nest oTrade ReviewExciting and breathtakingly pacy...This is exactly how modern history should be written * Andy McNab *Gripping, endlessly fascinating detail. I read the book in one sitting: it is an utterly compelling war story, brilliantly written * Simon Winchester *A masterwork of narrative history. Brilliantly described, the story of an impossible British mission is a compelling one; it's telling long overdue * Clive Cussler *Big heavy bombers. Proper old-fashioned heroism. And triumph of ingenuity over limited funding. So far as I'm concerned, it has the lot and to cap it all it reads like fiction when it's actually fact. I more than enjoyed it, it could have been written specially for me * Jeremy Clarkson *Exceptional...Written like the very best thriller, it draws the reader into the exclusive world of the combat crew in a unique and truly gripping way * John Nichol *

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Book Synopsis??full of history, exploits, war stories, stunning photographs and art and insignia, a work of love for an aircraft much admired aviation enthusiasts the world over.? -SeapowerHalf Century, Baby! marks the 50th anniversary of the first two Grumman F-14A fleet squadrons (VF-1 and VF-2) receiving their first Tomcats during the summer of 1973. This lavishly illustrated volume tells the story of the aircraft from the beginning to its sunset of service with the US Navy in 2006; the longest operational career of any Naval Fighter to date. Preeminent Tomcat historian and former Tomcat RIO Dave Parsons explains the history of the F-14 decade by decade through the words of the aircrew who flew it. Artist Mads Bangsø brings his superlative illustration talents to the forefront with more than 120 F-14 profiles as well as highly accurate fully rendered recreations historical events featuring the Tomcat, highlighting the interesting markings of the aircraft (including helmets) as well as other aircraft associated with the Tomcat Community. The book features pertinent colour photography throughout, interwoven with the illustrations to complement the text.

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Book SynopsisThe Knight's Cross (Ritterkreuz) was one of the highest decorations given for extreme acts of valour to all ranks of the German armed forces during the Second World War. Few awards captured the respect and admiration of the German public as the Knight's Cross - it was the greatest honour one could achieve. In the perilous and close-knit world of the U-boat crews the award of the decoration to their captain was an event of particular pride and sometimes it was even added to the boat's insignia. In all, there were 123 recipients, including their commander-in-chief Karl D nitz, and Jeremy Dixon's highly illustrated book is the ideal guide to all these men and their wartime service. A graphic text accompanied by almost 200 archive photographs describes the exploits of each of them, including those who received the higher grades of the award. Full details are given of their tours of duty, the operations they took part in, how they won their award, how many ships they sank and their subsequent careers.

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Book SynopsisThis title tells the story of an iconic aircraft from World War II, that is illustrated with over 250 colour and black and white photographs. It takes you through the creation, construction, production and history of the Spitfire, as well as its role in the major battles of the war. It includes moving first-hand accounts from the pilots who flew the Spitfires, including both their experiences in combat and the way of life for the RAF at that time. It features a fascinating and engaging narrative written by a leading military history expert. It lists sites where surviving Spitfires can be viewed today so you can go and see this incredible aircraft for yourself. It compares the Spitfire with other great fighters - both Axis and Allied - in the skies at the time. It shows how the famous fighter plane had its origins in a series of trophy-winning seaplanes from the 1920s and 1930s, and how it was developed. This engrossing book retells the story of the iconic aircraft of World War I. It goes into the heart of the action, showing what it was like to fly a spitfire in the Battle of Britain, and tells the moving stories of the brave young pilots who flew this all-conquering machine. In addition, this book lists where surviving planes can be seen today so that you see the incredible aircraft for yourself. The fascinating and informed text, written by a leading expert in the field and accompanied by over 250 stunning contemporary and historical photos, make this the ultimate reference for anybody with an interest in military history or aviation.

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Book SynopsisOrganised chronologically by type, German Bomber Aircraft of World War II offers a highly-illustrated guide to the main types of aircraft used by the German Luftwaffe during World War II. The book offers a comprehensive survey of German aircraft, from the Junkers Ju 87A Stuka dive-bomber and Dornier Do 17Z-2 that participated in the invasion of Poland, to the more sophisticated Arado Ar 234B-2, Heinkel He 177 and Junkers Ju 88S-1 of the final months of the war. All the major and many minor types are featured, including dive-bombers, two-seater bombers, ground attack aircraft, night bombers, strategic bombers and maritime bombers. This includes both well-known models, such as classic Heinkel He 111 and Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor, to the lesser-known Blohm und Voss Bv 141A ground attack aircraft and Heinkel He 111H-2 designed to launch V-1 flying bombs. Each featured profile includes authentic markings and colour schemes, while every separate model is accompanied by exhaustive specifications. Packed with 110 full-colour artworks with detailed specifications, German Bomber Aircraft of World War II is a key reference guide for military modellers and World War II enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Bombers Heinkel 111 Junkers Ju 86 Dornier Do 17 and Do 215 Junkers Ju 88 Dornier Do 217 Heinkel He 177 Messerschmitt Me 264 Junker Ju 188 Arado Ar 234 Blitz 2. Ground-attack Aircraft and Reconnaissance Aircraft Junkers Ju 87 Henschel Hs 123 Fieseler Fi 156 Storch Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu Henschel Hs 129 Henschel Hs 132 3. Transports and Gliders Junkers Ju 52 DFS 230 Junkers Ju 290 Arado Ar 232 Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant 4. Seaplanes and Maritime Aircraft Heinkel He 60 Heinkel He 59 Dornier Do 18 Dornier Do 24 Blohm und Voss Ha 139 Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor Arado Ar 95 Arado Ar 196 Dornier Do 26 Fieseler Fi 167 Blohm und Voss BV 138 Blohm und Voss BV 141 Blohm und Voss BV 222 Blohm und Voss BV 238 Heinkel He 114 Heinkel He 115 5. Helicopters Flettner Fl 265 Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 Drache Flettner Fl 282 Kolibri Focke-Achgelis Fa 330 Bachstelze Glossary and Abbreviations Index

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