Air forces and warfare Books
Hikoki Publications Soviet And Russian Military Aircraft In Asia
Book Synopsis
£31.46
Hikoki Publications On Atlas' Shoulders: RAF Transport Aircraft
Book SynopsisIn August 1945 RAF Transport Command found itself with almost 2000 C-47 Dakotas acquired under Lend-Lease that had to be returned, destroyed or paid for. This left the RAF with converted bombers such as the York and Halifax C.VIII or, in the Far East, interned Japanese aircraft including the Ki.48 Lily, Post war, Britain''s aircraft industry embarked on equipping RAF with the full range of transport aircraft which could carry troops and cargo to the Far East and Australia. On Atlas'' Shoulders describes how the lessons of WW2 were absorbed and design studies and aircraft projects including the Beverley, Vickers'' V.1000 and Type 799, the Argosy and HS.681 V/STOL transport or the Britannia, HP.111, VC10 and Belfast. On Atlas'' Shoulders also explains how the RAF developed their transport force from the late Sixties to today''s precision delivery of equipment to forward operating bases in Afghanistan and beyond. The Mounting Base strategy followed with proposals for long-range transports such as the HP.135, Jet Belfast and VC10 developments whilst at the opposite end of the scale, liaison and observation aircraft such as the Pioneer were soon overtaken by the helicopter, culminating in the Wessex, Puma and Chinook. Illustrated throughout with photographs, drawings and specially commissioned artwork, On Atlas'' Shoulders is a unique reference to the aircraft and technologies developed for logistics support of the British armed forces since 1945.
£23.96
Hikoki Publications British Combat Aircraft in Latin America
Book SynopsisThis book covers the story of all the British military aircraft that served in Latin America since 1940. Though the presence of British combat types is now almost gone from the skies over Latin America, its legacy will last for a long time. After World War 2, Britain was happy to sell the most modern equipment to the region giving it an advantage over the United States, hitherto the main provider of planes to Latin American air forces. This was one of the main reasons why many air forces chose to buy British combat aircraft up to the 1970s. In many countries Gloster Meteors or de Havilland Vampires were the first jet combat aircraft, while the Argentina''s Avro Lancasters and Lincolns was once the most potent bomber force in Latin America. BAC Canberras had five South American operators, were the only jet bombers in use in the region and saw action several times. Combat activity by British types include Argentine planes used during the 1955 revolution and ironically Argentine Canberras in action during the Malvinas/Falklands War against British forces, Cuban Sea Furies over the Bay of Pigs, Peruvian Canberras in the conflicts with Ecuador, Chilean Hunters during the 1973 coup d''etat, Dominican Vampires, Mosquitoes and Beaufighters in internal struggles
£35.96
Hikoki Publications Teach for the Sky: British Training Aircraft
Book SynopsisBuilding on lessons learned during the Second World War, there has been continual investment in training aircraft and equipment as aviation technology and aerial warfare has evolved. The Air Staff, the Admiralty and British aircraft companies developed a wide range of aircraft from basic trainers to jet-powered aircraft and helicopters. Drawing on research in company and government archives, Teach for the Sky describes the development of training aircraft for basic, advanced, operational conversion and aircrew training from the late 1940s to the present day. The planning and requirements behind the trainers such as the Prentice, Balliol, Jet Provost, Varsity, Gnat, Tucano and Hawk are examined, as are many of the design studies that remained on the drawing board. The evolution of the training organisation and the challenges faced in adapting the training syllabus to new technologies from 1945 to the present day are also analysed.Illustrated throughout with photographs, drawings and specially commissioned artwork, Teach for the Sky is a unique reference guide to the aircraft and training methods developed to prepare pilots and aircrew for the frontline since 1945.
£23.96
The Dovecote Press Dorset, The Royal Navy
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£8.12
How2become Ltd How to Join the Royal Air Force: the Insider's
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£11.70
How2become Ltd RAF Airman Tests: Sample Test Questions for the
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£11.70
Evro Publishing Spitfire People: The Men and Women Who Made the
Book SynopsisThis book presents a fresh angle on the Spitfire by examining the contribution to its development and achievements by over 65 people - some famous, others not - ranging from politicians to pilots. Published to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, this book presents a fresh angle on the Spitfire by examining the contribution to its development and achievements by over 65 people, some famous, others not. Without the courage and tenacity of some leading political and military figures and the hard work of lesser-known mortals, there would have been no Spitfire, no Battle of Britain and no ultimate victory in 1945. Many people in positions of power played their part in the ultimate success of the Spitfire, but a few staked their reputations on a radical design that brought together the best in British design, technology and ingenuity. This book tells many significant individual stories.- Political people: Sir Winston Churchill (voice in the wilderness and wartime leader), Air Marshal Sir Wilfred Freeman (senior champion of the Spitfire in the Air Ministry), Lord Beaverbrook (Minister for Aircraft Production); Design and development people: Reginald Mitchell (chief designer 1934a 36), Joe Smith (chief designer 1936a 47), Jeffrey Quill (test pilot), Ernest Hives (Rolls-Royce experimental head and key player in the design of the Merlin engine), Sir Stanley Hooker (mathematician and Merlin engine developer), the ladies of Vickers Supermarine at Trowbridge (factory workers); and Operational people: James 'Johnny' Johnson (highest-scoring Spitfire ace), Henry Cozens (first squadron commander), Geoffrey Wellum (youngest Battle of Britain pilot), Douglas Bader (Spitfire wing leader and inspirational disabled pilot). Experimental people: Tony Martindale (RAE Farnborough test pilot), Eric 'Winkle' Brown (chief naval test pilot and the first man to land a Seafire on an aircraft carrier); Heritage people: Ray Hanna (Old Flying Machine company), Carolyn Grace (the only female owner/pilot in the world), Phill O'Dell (chief test pilot at Rolls-Royce and Spitfire display pilot); and Published to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
£21.25
Grub Street Publishing Helicopter Boys: True Tales from Operators of
Book SynopsisRichard Pike became a flight cadet in 1961, at the RAF College, Cranwell where, on graduation, he was awarded the Dickson Trophy and Michael Hill memorial prize for flying. In the early stages of his forty-year flying career he flew the English Electric Lightning before converting to the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom. On leaving the Royal Air Force he became a civilian helicopter pilot. His duties took him to a wide variety of destinations at home and overseas including the Falkland Islands not long after the end of the Falklands War. His last assignment was in Kosovo helping to distribute emergency humanitarian aid on behalf of the United Nations World Food Programme. He and his wife live in Aberdeenshire.
£17.00
Helion & Company The Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment: The Development of British Airborne Technology 1940-1950
£999.99
Crecy Publishing The SAS Secret War in Italy: Special Forces,
Book SynopsisAfter the Allies invaded in 1943, there were two Italian governments, one backing the Allies, the other a puppet supporting the Germans. This led to a secret war that was vital to supporting the Allies'' conventional forces. Partisans, the SAS, SOE, the US OSS (precursor to the CIA) all played important roles in these bloody covert operations.On the night of 20/21 April 1945 the last operational parachute jump of World War II took place, Operation Herring. The action was undertaken by No 1 Italian SAS, trained by British SOE (Special Operations Executive) forces who were dropped by the USAAF, in support of the 8th Army attack into the Po Valley. Operation Herring lasted over 72 hours instead of the 36 initially foreseen, but it turned out to be a success. With assistance from the local partisans, sources claim 481 German soldiers were killed, 1,083 surrendered and many vehicles, tanks, armoured cars and guns were destroyed or captured. This action did presage the end of the war in Italy, but until now little has been written about this and the other secret operations which characterised the campaign. This is a fascinating account of these actions and the heroism of the men involved which deserves to reach a new audience.Related TitlesA Street in Arnhem9780711038288 10.99It Never Snows in September9781910809617 9.99War Without Garlands9781910809761 10.99
£8.54
Crecy Publishing American Secret Projects 4: Bombers, Attack and
Book SynopsisHaving completed the revision of his series of British Secret Projects titles, Tony Buttler has now begun the same treatment for his early volumes on American Secret Projects. This first revised book describes the design and development of American bomber and attack aircraft from the end of World War II to the mid-1970s, both for the Air Force and the Navy. Once again the emphasis is placed on designs that were never built, particularly within the context of competitions between the various manufacturers against official requirements.The projects and programmes described range from the largest and most outrageous ideas for heavy strategic bombers down to much smaller anti-submarine and ground attack types. The majority of the work has been compiled from extensive research using primary source material and this second edition includes many additional and previously unseen three-view drawings, original artist''s impressions and photographs of manufacturer''s models. They are accompanied by a new selection of photos, many in colour, which makes this revised and expanded edition a great resource for modellers in particular. In addition to the comprehensive text, supplementary appendices list the projects by manufacturer and their specifications
£23.38
Carn Publishing ltd Turnberry Airfield
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£27.00
Grub Street Publishing Stuka Attack: The Dive-Bombing Assault on England
Book SynopsisThe Junkers 87 Stuka was an iconic weapon of World War Two and an aircraft name that was, and still is, instantly recognised worldwide. Its roles in Poland and the Battles of France and the Low Countries are almost legendary, but in the UK its import during the Battle of Britain is one that has never been covered in any specific detail. Here, Andy Saunders takes a critical look at every operation by Ju87s against British targets in 1940 including those on land and at sea. Each raid is charted, covering all aspects of the attacks including participants, defending RAF fighters and those on the receiving end. Myth and reality and truth and legend are all examined and analysed in this highly illustrated new book, which adds to our knowledge of one of the most significant periods in the whole of British history.
£11.69
Grub Street Publishing Halton Boys: True Tales from Pilots and Ground
Book SynopsisThe RAF Halton Apprenticeship Scheme has a deserved reputation for excellence. The brainchild of MRAF Hugh Trenchard, the founder of the Royal Air Force, it took the ‘traditional’ idea of an apprenticeship and interpreted it in a novel way. It allowed teenage boys from any social background or geography to learn a technical trade that would equip them for their future lives, within and beyond the RAF. It also gave the best an opportunity to become pilots and break into the once public-school-dominated officer class. Of the 50,000 boys trained as apprentices, seventeen won the Sword of Honour at Cranwell, and more than 1,200 were commissioned with 110 achieving Air Rank. Eighteen have been knighted, with well over 1,000 others being honoured at various levels of state. More than a hundred Halton Boys served as pilots in the Battle of Britain (and many more as airframe/engine fitters and armourers), including the mercurial Don Finlay, the former Olympic hurdler. Others like Gerry Blacklock and Pat Connolly flew bombers on perilous missions over Western Europe or took part in the famous ‘Dams’ Raid. Then there were the three men murdered for their part in the Great Escape, and those who battled and survived years as prisoners of the Japanese in the Far East. In the jet era, ex-apprentice Graham Hulse became an ‘ace’ in Korea, serving with an American fighter squadron, and Mike Hines went on to become OC 617 Squadron after having first flown operations during the Suez crisis. Others like Charles Owen became a pioneer commercial jet pilot, and Peter Goodwin had the misfortune of being captured in the first Gulf War and used as a human shield. Some forged successful careers beyond the RAF, like Lawrie Haynes, who was on the main board at Rolls-Royce and is now chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, and Eugene Borysuik – one of the many Polish apprentices trained at Halton, who enjoyed a successful career at GEC. And there were many others beyond air and ground crew including policemen, government officials and even bishops whose careers started with the Halton family. This is the story of Halton told through and by the boys who were there and who are still proud to be called ‘Trenchard Brats’.
£21.25
Mortons Media Group USAF Jet Bombers
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£8.54
Mortons Media Group Spitfires Over Berlin
Book SynopsisAs British and American forces closed in from the west, the Russians pushed in hard from the east, and the RAF and USAAF bombed Germany every night and day, the beleaguered Luftwaffe went all-out in a last effort to defend the Fatherland during the last months of the Second World War.Spitfires Over Berlin tells the story of the desperate battles that took place over the Western Front from January 1 to May 8, 1945.True stories of aerial combat, courage and daring from all sides of the conflict illustrate the dramatic tale of the war's closing chapter - from the battle between the Spitfire XIV pilots of 350 Squadron and Fw 190s over the western fringes of Berlin to the murder of a downed P-51 Mustang pilot by civilians and carefully planned ramming attacks on American bombers.Also featured are the dogfight' between a Piper L-4H Grasshopper and a Fieseler Storch, what led a disgraced Luftwaffe pilot to fly the lethal BP 20 Natter rocket-powered interceptor, the French aces who flew for the Soviets, the fate of the US pilots who shot down a flight of Mistel combinations and much more.
£21.21
Mortons Media Group Eagles of the Luftwaffe: Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A, F
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£11.69
Mortons Media Group Secret Projects of the Luftwaffe:: Heinkel HE 162
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£12.99
Mortons Media Group Fleet Air Arm Legends: Supermarine
Book SynopsisRenowned naval aviation author Matthew Willis tells the story of the Supermarine Seafire - a navalised version of the famous Spitfire adapted for use on aircraft carriers. Some 2646 examples were built and saw action with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm from November 1942 until after the Korean War in the early 1950s. It was involved in combat during the Allied landings in North Africa (Operation Torch), the Allied invasions of Sicily and Italy, the D-Day landings, and Operation Dragoon in southern France. With the Pacific fleet, the Seafire proved capable of intercepting and destroying the feared Japanese kamikaze attack aircraft.
£11.69
Mortons Media Group Secret Projects of the Luftwaffe:: Blohm & Voss
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£11.69
Mortons Media Group English Electric Lighting Genisis A
Book SynopsisProgress on the English Electric Canberra was the main topic of a report written by W E W Teddy' Petter on June 17, 1948, but a final paragraph headed High Speed Fighter' said, Requirements for a high speed fighter are being sent to us ... There would probably be two or three prototypes attached to a successful design and a reasonable chance of production orders. Supersonic speeds would be required for short periods.' This marked the beginning of the effort leading to production of the legendary Lightning fighter. English Electric Lightning Genesis and Projects examines how that effort evolved focusing on the procurement process and the factors that drove decisions about the aircraft configuration and its weapon system. In particular, author Tony Wilson looks at how other procurement programmes influenced choices about the Lightning for good or ill.Between English Electric project numbers P1 and P34 there were 15 project numbers associated with the Lightning. Some refer to development steps in the aircraft's core programme but others were studies to extend the aircraft's capabilities. These designs are explored too along with proposed developments that were never given P' numbers.
£11.69
Mortons Media Group Fleet Air Arm Legends: Fairey Swordfish
£15.29
Grub Street Publishing Canberra Boys: Fascinating Accounts from the
Book SynopsisThe English Electric Canberra first came into production in the late 1940s and has since played a hugely significant part in world events. In Canberra Boys, Andrew Brookes takes us through its rich history with the help of those who operated this magnificent machine. This book provides a detailed and fascinating history of an outstanding aircraft alongside illuminating anecdotes from the men who served with this illustrious aircraft.
£13.49
Grub Street Publishing Buccaneer Boys 2: More True Tales by those who
Book SynopsisFollowing the critically acclaimed publication eight years ago of Buccaneer Boys, long-serving Buccaneer navigator Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork has now followed up the great success of the book with more true tales from those who flew the last all-British bomber. Thirty Buccaneer ‘Boys’, drawn from the Fleet Air Arm, the Royal Air Force and the South African Air Force, outline their experiences in the maritime role, operations overland, including the first Gulf War, and operations by the South Africans in the Border Wars. In addition to the aircrew, air engineer officers and ground crew have also contributed. The reader is left in no doubt that the ‘Buccaneer Boys’ knew how to work hard and to play hard. The skill, professionalism and excitement of operating and servicing this iconic British aircraft shines throughout every page. This book is lavishly illustrated with 100 black and white photographs and two-colour plate sections of 40 photographs, many never previously published.
£21.25
Grub Street Publishing Fleet Air Arm Boys Volume Three: Helicopters -
Book SynopsisHelicopters have been going to sea with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm for over 70 years. Initially used for search and rescue (SAR) duties from aircraft carriers, the rapid development of both the helicopters and service experience resulted in them taking on the vital anti-submarine (and later anti-ship) attack roles. The 1956 Suez campaign saw the first operational use of Whirlwind helicopters for the insertion of troops by air into a battle zone, a capability which was expanded with more helicopters such as the Wessex, Sea King and today's Merlin. Through their vital role in the 1960s Indonesian Confrontation, the Commando helicopter force became universally referred to as the 'Junglies', by which name they are still known today. It is often said that if either of the 1982 Task Force aircraft carriers had been lost the Falklands War could not have been won. The same would surely have been true without helicopters. Their vital tasks, including inserting Special Forces behind enemy lines, protecting the Task Force from Exocet missile attack and recovering wounded troops whilst under enemy fire, are rightly hailed as being instrumental. At home, the essential SAR effort by both the Royal Navy and their RAF counterparts has resulted in incredible stories of saving lives against the odds. Royal Navy destroyers and frigates have also long since benefitted from having their own helicopter Flight aboard. Frequently operating in extremes of weather, flying a Wasp, Lynx or today's Wildcat from and back to a heaving deck is every bit as risky as flying fixed-wing aircraft off the carriers of old using the cat and trap system. Once dismissed as a novelty, the helicopter has more than proved itself. Indeed, for ten years until the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, the Fleet Air Arm's operational force was entirely rotary-wing. Today's Merlins and Wildcats, with their dedicated aircrew, maintenance and support staff continue to demonstrate just how vital an asset the helicopter has become. Here are the words of the men and women themselves, skilfully brought to life by Steve Bond and profusely illustrated in colour and b/w.
£21.25
Grub Street Publishing Luftwaffe Fighter Pilot: Defending The Reich
Book SynopsisWithin weeks of war being declared, Wolfgang Fischer had volunteered to join the Luftwaffe and spent nearly five of the succeeding six years of hostilities in uniform. During this time, he was given a succession of postings varying from a long-range recce unit; as a decoder in a met office in occupied France; to a bomber squadron; and as a flying instructor, before joining a squadron of the famous Richthofen Geschwader in Italy, from where he was shot down in his FW 190 by Mustangs en route to Normandy. By now a Leutnant, he survived to fly offensive rocket attacks over Gold Beach on D-Day, only to be shot down again on D + 1, and captured and sent first to a hospital in the UK, then into captivity in the USA. He was finally repatriated in April 1946. Expertly translated and edited by John Weal, this is a worthy accompaniment to Norbert Hannig's Luftwaffe Fighter Ace (9781911667223) also available in paperback.
£11.69
Grub Street Publishing Luftwaffe Eagle: A WW2 German Airman's story
Book SynopsisIn this compelling memoir, Erich Sommer recalls his life in pre-war Germany and the adventures he had flying for the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Born in 1912, the third son of a district court judge, Erich grew up in an atmosphere of uncertainty following the First World War. In 1932 he started training as a brewery engineer, shortly before the Nazis came to power. The implications this had on the lives of average Germans are described in great detail. When war came in 1939, he became a navigator, successfully serving with the Luftwaffe's first pathfinding unit, then a special and little-known control commission in Morocco to monitor the disarmament of Vichy French forces. He then served as a navigator with a high-altitude squadron flying the relatively rare Ju 86 bomber fitted with a pressurised cabin in missions during the Battle of Britain. He then went to the Russian Front flying radar-equipped Ju 88s tracking Soviet fleet movements. This led to training as a pilot, following which Erich joined a special commando equipped with the revolutionary Arado Ar 234 jet. Shortly afterwards Erich flew the world's first jet-reconnaissance sortie over the invasion front. He ended his war in Italy. After the war, Erich moved with his wife to Australia where he lived peacefully until his death in 2005. With a detailed introduction from acclaimed Luftwaffe historian J. Richard Smith and illustrated throughout with photographs from private family albums, Luftwaffe Eagle is a fascinating insight into the life of an exceptional Luftwaffe pilot and navigator.Trade ReviewIt is one of the best personal accounts to have appeared in many years and should not be missed. -- Flypast * Flypast *Grub Street are to be highly commended for bringing us this readable and gripping account. -- Britain at War
£11.69
Grub Street Publishing Fleet Air Arm Boys: Volume One: Air Defence
Book SynopsisThe RAF's continuing role in the projection of air power in the defence of the United Kingdom and its overseas interests since the end of the Second World War is well known. However, the same cannot always be said about the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA), in part due to the ten-year gap between the retirement of the Harrier and the arrival of the F-35B and the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. Flying high performance aircraft off a carrier demands not only a high level of skill, but also a considerable amount of courage and determination, not least to land back on a very small piece of real estate bobbing about in a rough sea, often at night, with no possibility of diversion. The nature of these operations has meant that the accident rate and aircrew losses were very high - and accepted as part of the job. With the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth and the Prince of Wales, it is time to redress the balance and bring the FAA's extraordinary story to the audience it so richly deserves through the words of those air and ground crews who have been part of it since 1945. What emerges is an amazing close-knit esprit de corps, often accompanied by a long-standing and still simmering rivalry between the RAF and the Royal Navy over who should project air power overseas. Enormous respect is shown by the aviators and ships' senior officers for the aircraft handlers and maintainers, who work long hours in a highly dangerous environment on the flight deck. This first volume looks chronologically at every aircraft type flown in an air defence role since 1945. Involvement in conflicts including Korea, Suez, the Falklands, Bosnia and elsewhere is included, and perforce the cost in human lives, even in everyday operations, frequently emerges. Balancing this are the everyday grind, the good times, the humour, the 'runs ashore' and the sense of pride in a job well done. All delivered in the words of the men themselves.Trade ReviewPraise for Fleet Air Arm Boys Volume One "A kaleidoscopic collection of photographs, mainly from personal archives, help to make this book a 'thriller' in its own right." Pennant, Spring 2021 "Well up to the excellent Grub Street standard, this is a worthy addition to the series." Flypast, Product of the Month - April 2020
£17.00
Grub Street Publishing Flying Forwards Facing Backwards: Captivating
Book SynopsisSince he was a child in the 1950s watching Vampires and Meteors operating from RAF Turnhouse, Jim Walls wanted to fly aircraft, he just never envisaged that his flying career would be spent in the back seat as opposed to the front. Jim guides readers through his 40-year RAF career that started as a Boy Entrant at RAF Cosford, then as an air radar tradesman, before specialising as an air electronics operator (AEOp) in the Nimrod MR1, and later as an air electronics officer (AEO) who flew in Nimrod R1s and Vulcan B2s. With detailed insight into the world of radar, electronic countermeasures and signals intelligence, Jim highlights the role they played in warfare for numerous operations during the Cold War as well as the Falklands campaign, First Gulf War and Bosnian War. He also recalls the peacetime role of the Nimrod and Vulcan with stories from his time on 51, 120 and 617 Squadrons. As well as focusing on his career, Jim gives his viewpoint on matters such as Operation Black Buck and the reduced war-fighting capability of the Vulcan as it neared retirement. This fascinating book showcases the vital role that AEOs held and the importance of radar and electronic warfare in the fight against enemy forces. It is also a tribute to the much-loved Cold War icons, the Nimrod and the Vulcan. With photography throughout, mainly from the author’s personal collection, this book will appeal to Cold War enthusiasts and fans of the iconic jets of that era.
£21.25
Grub Street Publishing Cold War Boys: PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED TALES OF
Book SynopsisWhen the US president, Harry S Truman, declared the Truman Doctrine in March 1947, he could not have known that the resultant Cold War would persist for over 40 years until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. In addition to nuclear and conventional military friction between the Eastern and Western blocs, the struggle for dominance involved a remarkable range of activities including the space race, psychological efforts, espionage, even rivalry at sporting functions and technological events. This diversity is reflected in the 20 chapters of Cold War Boys which opens with a vivid description from the author of survival procedures used by English Electric Lightning pilots in the event of nuclear war. From there on, various contributors share their original experiences on a range of fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft across the world including tales from RAF Germany, the Falklands and the Far East. Each story demonstrates some of the intriguing circumstances faced by aircrew and ground crew whose tenacity and professionalism had to cope with miscellaneous situations of danger, excitement, risk, pathos and humour. This book serves as a reminder of what air forces faced during the Cold War years as the ever-present threat of nuclear war persisted. A must for all aviation fans.
£18.75
Grub Street Publishing Jet Provost Boys: True Tales from the Operators
Book SynopsisAs a versatile and undemanding aircraft, the Jet Provost established itself as the basic trainer for the RAF from the late 1950s until its retirement in September 1993. In Jet Provost Boys, David Watkins explores the history of this magnificent flying machine through the vivid memories of former air crew from the RAF and foreign air forces. Alongside operating as a basic training aircraft, the Jet Provost had relative success within the civilian and military display flying circuit of the 1960s and 1970s. It was also part of the prestige Golden Eagle Flight at RAF Cranwell which taught the then-Prince of Wales how to fly. When the Jet Provost Mk. 5 model became the BAC 167 Strikemaster after some modifications, it became a counter-insurgency and light-attack aircraft. This capability allowed the aircraft to be sold to air forces around the world including Ceylon, Nigeria, New Zealand, Sudan and Venezuela where it played a reliable and effective role in multiple border disputes and internal warfare. It was crucial to the Sultan of Oman Air Force during the Dhofar War as the intervention of Strikemasters assisted in a significant turning point in the conflict. This book includes a foreword by Squadron Leader Terry Lloyd who was the leader of the 1964–1965 Pelicans display team as well as being illustrated throughout with black and white and colour photos. This latest addition to the Boys series is not to be missed and will appeal to all aviation fans.
£21.25
Helion & Company Hot Skies Over Yemen: Volume 1: Aerial Warfare
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£16.10
Helion & Company Air War Over the Putumayo: Colombian and Peruvian
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£16.10
Helion & Company Mig-23 Flogger in the Middle East: Mikoyan I
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£16.10
Helion & Company The Collectors: Us and British Cold War Aerial
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£18.95
Imperial War Museum The Spitfire
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£11.69
Parthian Books A Raid Over Berlin
Book SynopsisA Sunday Times bestseller. A miraculous true-life Second World War survival story that is being featured on the BBC's ONE SHOW (The show attracts on average a daily audience of 5 million viewers) with a ten minute dramatised documentary to be broadcast in early October 2018. A Daily Mail true life story feature is in development. Further review and BBC radio coverage Trade Advertising to accompany the release `I could see that still no one had been able to get out from the cockpit. It must have been at this moment that I thought I was going to die because I became remarkably calm'. Trapped inside a burning Lancaster bomber, 20,000 feet above Berlin, airman John Martin consigned himself to his fate and turned his thoughts to his fiancee back home. In a miraculous turn of events, however, the twenty-one-year-old was thrown clear of his disintegrating airplane and found himself parachuting into the heart of Nazi Germany. He was soon to be captured and began his period as a prisoner of war. This engaging and compulsively readable true-life account of a Second World War airman, who cheated death in the sky, only to face interrogation and the prospect of being shot by the Gestapo, before having to endure months of hardship as a prisoner of war.
£8.54
Helion & Company Hot Skies of the Cold War: The Bulgarian Air
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£16.96
Danann Media Publishing Limited The History of The Raf and The Lancaster Bomber
Book SynopsisTHE HISTORY OF THE RAF AND THE LANCASTER BOMBER celebrates and commemorates over 100 years of the Royal Air Force. With access to rare RAF archives, Mike Lepine uses photographs and documents to bring the story of the people, planes and missions to life as never before. With a special feature on the Lancaster Bomber which took its maiden flight as a prototype in 1941 and flew in battle in 1942. From its genesis in the horrors of the First World War when pilots were open to the elements in craft made of little more than wood and fabric, to the iconic air battles of the Second World War, through to the lifesaving missions carried out in today’s trouble zones, The History of the RAF looks at the men, women and aircraft that are at the heart of this great service.
£17.00
Danann Media Publishing Limited The Avro Lancaster: Wwii's Most Successful Heavy
Book SynopsisWWIIs Most successful heany bomber.
£17.85
Helion & Company Wings of Iraq Volume 1: The Iraqi Air Force
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£16.10
Key Publishing Ltd Mustang: The Untold Story
Book SynopsisThe North American Mustang is one of the most well-studied aircraft. However, much of what is commonly understood about it, particularly its early, Allison-powered variants, is not entirely correct. This book examines the history of the aircraft afresh, within the orbit of tactical doctrine, strategy and even politics, as well as the changing nature of World War II. The Allison Mustang proved to be no worse than the best aircraft of the war in the roles where it found its niche and, through this new study, it is hoped that the significance of this vital aircraft can finally be appreciated. 140 illustrationsTrade Review"...may be the most comprehensive history of the development and use of the Allison-powered Mustangs to date."-- "Air Power History"
£17.00
Helion & Company Air Battles Over Hungary 1944-45
£25.46
Key Publishing Ltd The Forgotten American Volunteer Group: US
Book SynopsisWhile volumes have been devoted to the legendary "Flying Tigers," the ultimate American Volunteer Group, another virtually unknown band of flyers preceded them in 1932. When Colombia and Peru became embroiled in what is known as the "Leticia Affair," a little-heralded arms race ensued. The Curtiss-Wright Export Corporation saw an opening and soon had not only sold the Colombians on an impressive assortment of aircraft types but also an American cadre to bridge the gap until their own crews were ready. Illustrated with rare contemporary illustrations, this books tells the fascinating story of these oft-forgotten men and the aircraft they flew.
£13.49
Key Publishing Ltd Victory 1940: The Battle of Britain As Never Seen
Book SynopsisScramble! Scramble! Almost 80 years ago the skies over Britain were full of dogfighting aircraft as young pilots of the RAF fought to repel the might of the German war machine. Described by Prime Minister Winston Churchill as 'Their Finest Hour.' The Battle of Britain is a defining moment in recent history and remains an inspiration to us all. Victory 1940 presents a pictorial chronology of the legendary fight, when the might of the Luftwaffe was defeated for the first time by Churchill's 'Few.' The history of the battle as been recounted many times, but this book offers a new and exclusive approach, through razor-sharp contemporary imagery of restored Battle of Britain warbirds combined with extensive archive material previously unpublished. The graphic illustrations of Victory 1940 are supported by a riveting account of the greatest air battle of all time, as seen through the eyes of the combatants from both sides. We witness their triumph and tragedies as they battle for a cause and survival itself. Victory 1940 draws upon John Dibbs' amazing warbird photograpy, and his Battle of Britain restored image archive, which provide fresh insights into the events of 1940 and enhance the compelling text. In his exclusive foreword to Victory 1940, Battle of Britain Hurricane ace Tom Neil calls for 'the need to implant in the minds of the young, the gallantry and sacrifices of those who fought in the Battle of Britain,' and that for this reason the book should be 'read and enjoyed.'
£15.29
Key Publishing Ltd Lynx: The Final Years in French Service
Book SynopsisWhen introduced in 1978, the Westland Lynx constituted a massive improvement over the helicopters then in service with the French Navy for antisubmarine duties and quickly became a highly popular rotorcraft. From an asset specialising in antisubmarine warfare, it was soon turned into a multirole platform that proved incredibly versatile, performing an extremely wide range of roles. However, after more than 40 years in service, the Lynx was an aging design, and in August 2020, it was withdrawn from Aeronautique Navale service. Containing over 200 full-colour images, this book charts the final year in French service of this much-loved machine. 200 colour illustrations
£13.49
Key Publishing Ltd US Naval Air Power: West Coast 2010-20
Book SynopsisThe United States Naval Aviation service celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011 and since then it has continued to be at the forefront of military aviation developments. The past ten years have been significant for continuous improvement, development, and efficiency. In that time, the service has dealt with highlights and various challenges, such as a sequestration in 2013, the resulting reduction in combat readiness, and aircraft manufacturing delays. Focusing on the squadrons of the US Navy and Marine Corps, and illustrated with over 150 images, this book delves into the various carrier air wings, the aircraft, such as the F/A-18 and E2 variants, and the training that together make US Naval Aviation the force it is today. It describes the developments of the West Coast bases over the past decade, the successes the United States Navy has achieved, and the methods used to further standardize and optimize the fleet.
£15.29
