Aircraft and aviation Books
Mortons Media Group Secret Projects of the Luftwaffe Vol7
Book SynopsisHundreds of thousands of classified documents were captured from Germany's aircraft manufacturers and aviation ministry at the end of the Second World War, including details of secret project' aircraft designs created by firms such as Focke-Wulf, Messerschmitt, Heinkel, Dornier and Blohm & Voss. Ongoing new research in archives around the world has revealed many previously unknown plans and proposals for aircraft that were radical, revolutionary or just plain weird. In this latest volume in his series on German wartime aircraft development, author Dan Sharp reveals a wealth of new discoveries including never-before-seen drawings and designs.Secret Projects of the Luftwaffe examines Focke-Wulf's designs for enormous fighters built around bomber engines, aviation minister Erhard Milch's unusual rival to the Heinkel He 219 night fighter and Messerschmitt's alternative version of the push-pull twin engine Dornier Do 335. Also revealed are the long-buried secret history of the Blohm & Voss BV 40's repurposing as a suicide bomber, how an American-born car designer came up with the idea for Focke-Wulf's Ta 154 night fighter and the competition that would see Focke-Wulf, Dornier and Blohm & Voss go head-to-head with plans to design the Luftwaffe's last all-new piston engine fighter in 1944-45.Hundreds of original and previously unseen documents have been used to compile this unrivalled look at some of Germany's least-known Second World War project designs, featuring a host of period drawings and illustrations.
£10.79
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Aircraft and Aviation Stamps
Book SynopsisThe author has combined his two greatest interests: Transport and Stamp Collecting and brought them together in this series of books looking at the way postage stamps have led him to increase his knowledge of our world via his interest in all forms of tra
£15.29
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Women in Aviation
Book SynopsisAmy Johnson and Amelia Earhart may be the most famous trailblazing women within the world of early aviation, but there were many others. From the Wright brothers’ sister Katherine, who was awarded the Légion d’honneur, to Mary, Lady Heath, the first woman to pilot a light aircraft from South Africa to England, the history of aviation is peppered with pioneering women who broke down the barriers of this male-dominated field. This is the story of those female aviators: not only the widely celebrated records of Johnson and Earhart, but also the now lesser-known exploits of those such as Mary, Lady Bailey, who was awarded an OBE in 1930. This essential guide also covers the new opportunities carved out for women during the Second World War, the age of space flight and women’s ongoing work in aviation in the modern age of equality.Table of ContentsIntroduction The Early Years The Flying Ladies ‘Lady Lindy’: Amelia Earhart Amy, Wonderful Amy Spitfire Girls Acceptance Gained Further Reading Places to Visit Index
£9.64
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Skyhookers
Book SynopsisFrom the First World War's Zeppelins to the Second World War's large bombers, military aircraft were vulnerable to fast, manoeuvrable interceptors. To address this, fighter escorts were used, but their limited range often left bombers exposed. A solution was the use of Composite aircraft, where larger bombers carried smaller, short-range fighters, which could be launched and retrieved as needed. Zeppelins, particularly vulnerable to interceptors, were ideal for this concept. During the First World War, Germany briefly experimented with carrying parasite aircraft, while the British conducted post-war trials using airships like His Majesty's Airship R-23 and R-33, carrying fighters such as the Sopwith Camel and de Havilland DH.53 Humming Bird. However, successful hook-on/retrievals were only achieved with the Humming Bird. The US Navy and Army further developed this concept. In 1918, the Navy launched a Curtiss JN Jenny' from a C-1 Blimp, and in 1924, the Army successfully flew a Sperry Messenger from a TC-Class airship. The US perfected the carry/launch/retrieval method for airship defence and scouting, notably with the USS Los Angeles, which carried aircraft on a trapeze' device. The Akron and Macon airships, with internal storage for aircraft, further advanced this technique, making them some of the most remarkable aircraft of their time.
£23.99
Amberley Publishing BAE Hawk
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£14.39
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Powering the World's Airliners: Engine
Book SynopsisThe first efforts of man to fly were limited by his ability to generate sufficient power to lift a heavier-than-air machine off the ground. Propulsion and thrust have therefore been the most fundamental elements in the development of aircraft engines. From the simple propellers of the first airliners of the 1920s and 1930s, to the turboprops and turbojets of the modern era, the engines used in airliners have undergone dramatic development over a century of remarkable change. These advances are examined in detail by aeronautical engineer and author Reiner Decher, who provides a layman's guide to the engines that have, and continue to, power the aircraft which carry millions of travellers across millions of miles each year. Reiner Decher also looks at the development of aero engines during the Second World War and how that conflict drove innovation. He also explains the nature of wing design and how they provide lift and of the considerations of airflow over their surfaces, from the early days of the twentieth century to the present. To enable an easy understanding of this intriguing subject, Powering the World's Airliners is profusely illustrated, transporting readers back to the time of each major development and introducing them to the key individuals of the aero industry in each era. After reading this comprehensive yet engaging story of the machines that power the aircraft in which we fly, no journey will ever seem quite the same again.
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Spitfire Ace of Aces: The Album: The Photographs
Book SynopsisAir Vice-Marshal James Edgar 'Johnnie' Johnson CB, CBE, DSO & Two Bars, DFC & Bar, DL was a character literally from the pages of Boys' Own: an individual who became the RAF's top-scoring fighter pilot of the Second World War. A one-time household name synonymous with the superlative Spitfire, Johnnie's aerial combat successes inspired schoolboys for generations. As a 'lowly Pilot Officer', Johnnie Johnson learned his fighter pilot's craft as a protege of the legless Tangmere Wing Leader, Douglas Bader. After Bader was brought down over France and captured on 9 August 1941, Johnnie remained a member of 616 (South Yorkshire) Squadron, in which he became a flight commander and was awarded the DFC a month after Bader's devastating loss. In time, Johnnie came to command a Canadian wing in 1943, when the Spitfire Mk.IX at last outclassed the Fw 190, and participated in some of the most important battles of the defeat of Nazi Germany, including Operation _Overlord_ and the D-Day landings in 1944, Operation _Market Garden_ and the airborne assault at Arnhem, and the Rhine Crossings, throughout all of which Johnnie also commanded Canadian wings. Johnnie's remarkable career is revealed through this unparalleled collection of archive photographs, the majority of which are drawn from his own personal album or from other members of the Johnson family. Many have not been published before. Between them, they present a fascinating insight into the man himself, the machines he flew, and the men he served alongside.
£18.75
Atlantic Books Concorde: The Rise and Fall of the Supersonic
Book SynopsisIn Concorde, Jonathan Glancey tells the story of this magnificent and hugely popular aircraft anew, taking the reader from the moment Captain Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier in 1947 through to the last commercial flight of the supersonic airliner in 2003. It is a tale of national rivalries, technological leaps, daring prototypes, tightrope politics, and a dream of a Dan Dare future never quite realized. Jonathan Glancey traces the development of Concorde not just through existing material and archives, but through interviews with those who lived with the supersonic project from its inception. The result is a compelling mix of overt technological optimism, a belief that Britain and France were major players in the world of civil as well as military aviation, and faith in an ever faster, ever more sophisticated future. This is a celebration, as well as a thoroughly researched history, of a truly brilliant machine that became a sky god of its era.Trade ReviewA thoughtful hymn to a great symbol of the analogue age... Concorde will be the standard long read on the subject for a good few years * The Times *What Jonathan Glancey likes about Concorde could probably fill several books... His history of the Anglo-French supersonic airliner is nevertheless engaging, tracing the arc of Concorde's rise in the 1970s, an unlikely triumph of engineering and international co-operation, through to its decommissioning in 2003... This is an enthusiast's book, but a good one. * Financial Times *Jonathan Glancey is eminently qualified to write a history of Concorde... He fully appreciates the aesthetics and science of aeronautical engineering, and the lucidity of his prose makes his complex subject clearly comprehensible * Spectator *How welcome it is to see a specialist book from someone who can write... What might appear to be yet another book on this widely exposed aircraft is actually one very much worth reading. * Pilot *Glancey skilfully tells the tale of a plane forged from a great trans-national alliance, and how it eventually fellfrom sky, taking with it - perhaps temporarily - the dream of a world shrunk small by the sheer force of technology. * Wallpaper *Excellent... Glancey has a gift for explaining complex issues... he also sprinkles the text with vivid phrases. -- Leo McKinstry * Literary Review *
£12.34
Crecy Publishing abc Military Aircraft of the 1950s Combined
Book SynopsisFor many people, the 1950s was the golden era of military aircraft development, and a time when theworld''s air forces boasted probably the most varied and eclectic fleet of aircraft ever seen inpeacetime. Aircraft in active military service ranged from a few left-over World War Two designs,through first generation jets and 1940''s re-purposed aircraft, to new machines at the cutting edge ofaerospace technology, some of which would continue in service for decades to come.The UK armed forces alone were operating more than 100 types of aircraft, many of them producedby domestic aviation manufacturers. The US and Canada were also fielding a wide variety of militaryaircraft and starting to push the boundaries of speed and altitude capabilities. In continental Europe itseemed that almost every country had its own indigenous military aircraft; whilst rumours andspeculation were rife about the latest aerospace advances by the USSR.The 1950s also saw the rise of the ''abc'' range of books by Ian Allan. Originally started as a series of''spotters guides'' for railway enthusiasts wanting to record the identities of steam locomotives, theseries grew to encompass hundreds of titles on subjects as diverse as ships, military vehicles,motorcycles, space travel and, of course, aircraft. Each abc book contained the known data andspecifications for each aircraft type, together with a short description, three view drawing andphotograph. In an era when public information on military aircraft types was often in short supply,the abc guides were the acknowledged reference source for enthusiasts, aviation professionals andeven the military themselves!The original abc books have become highly-prized collectors items, but to bring their contents to a wideraudience Crécy Publishing has delved into its extensive Ian Allan archives and produced this compilationof several abc titles from the mid-1950s. Covering military aircraft from Britain, the USA, Canada,Continental Europe and even the USSR, the types covered range from the famous and legendary, toexperimental one-offs and rare designs which were destined for obscurity or even notoriety.For many, this book will be pure nostalgia for a lost era of classic military aviation; but it is also animportant historical record of its time, highlighting the contrast between the break-neck pace ofmilitary aircraft development for the front-line, alongside the classic wartime aircraft still to be foundoperating in many parts of the world.
£13.67
Crecy Publishing Jaguar
Book SynopsisThe SEPECAT Jaguar was designed to meet the requirements of the Armée de l''Air and the Royal Air Force for a light tactical fighter and a supersonic two-seat training aircraft. First flown in September 1968, the Jaguar went on to serve in both air forces for forty years. Jaguars were exported and licence-built in India, where they remain in frontline service today. Jaguars have also been acquired by the air forces of Ecuador, Oman and Nigeria.Best remembered today as a Cold War attack aircraft, the Jaguar offered a potent mix of high speed at low altitude, excellent navigational and weapons accuracy and a diverse payload of air-to-ground ordnance including tactical nuclear weapons and laser-guided bombs and missiles. While the Jaguars of the RAF based in West Germany helped to deter the Warsaw Pact during the 1970s and 1980s, the Armée de l''Air used their Jaguars in combat in Mauritania and Chad in West Africa. Both air forces participated in the international coalition following Iraq''s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the Jaguar acquitting itself well during Operation Desert Storm. During the 1990s and 2000s, Jaguars served as peacekeepers in the skies over Iraq, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Sri Lanka. The Jaguar has also seen combat in other faraway places as diverse as the Andes and Kashmir in the Himalayas.Drawing on archival research, Jaguar: A Development and Operational History describes the history behind the requirements that gave birth to the Jaguar, its design and technical development, and service use in peacetime and war; including the Jaguars that have served in Ecuador, Oman, India and Nigeria. The stories behind the export deals that never came to fruition are covered, as are the numerous design studies during the 1970s for improved Jaguars to meet Air Staff Target 396 and the Big Wing Jaguar. Detailed appendices are included for all the Jaguars ordered by the Armée de l''Air and the RAF.Illustrated throughout with photographs, drawings and specially commissioned artwork, Jaguar: A Development and Operational History is a comprehensive reference book on the technical and operational history of the Jaguar.
£31.96
Key Publishing Ltd Vickers 1911-77
Book SynopsisIt seems incredible that a mere 33 years separates the maiden flights of the Barnes Wallis-designed R.100 airship from the beautiful VC10 airliner. It is also remarkable that, in 2013, the latter is still in service, albeit in dwindling numbers, but still representing a company that was formed 102 years ago! Although the VC10 was prefixed with BAC by the time of its entry into service, the aircraft represents the rapid rise of Vickers, which actually embarked on its first aeronautical project in 1908, before establishing an official aviation department in 1911. Vickers produced over 70 different types of aircraft during a 49-year period, not including a host of sub-variants, the Wellington, for example, having 19 alone. Not all were successful, but every one contributed, however small, another nugget of experience, which was either ploughed into the next aircraft or stored away for the future. An ability to think outside the box', was another of Vickers' fortes. A good example of this was not only employing Barnes Wallis, but having such faith in his ideas, which must have seemed quite radical at the time, especially his perseverance and ultimate success with geodetic construction. Wallis had no shortage of critics and many dyed in the wool' employees of Vickers, during the early days, left the company because of his ideas. However, history has shown us that he was right about geodetics, and like Hawker with its Hurricane and Supermarine with its Spitfire, only God knows what the RAF would have done without the Wellington at the beginning of the Second World War. This book gives readers an insight into the aircraft produced by Vickers, as well as a history of the aircraft company itself.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Anglo American Air
Book Synopsis
£9.49
Key Publishing Ltd The Chinook Story
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£10.79
Mortons Media Group Secret Projects of the Luftwaffe - Vol 1: Jet Fighters 1939 -1945: 2019: 1
£23.38
Mortons Media Group Ronny Bar Profiles: German Fighters of the Great
Book Synopsis
£24.00
Grub Street Publishing The Illustrated History of the Jodhpur Flying Club
Book SynopsisThis highly illustrated book, authored by Peter Vacher, is a tribute to the Jodhpur Flying Club, the people who made it a success, and the birth of aviation in India during the early 20th century. It is also a candid look at the royal family and the influence of aviation in their lives.
£21.25
Malcolm Down Publishing Ltd Captain Concorde
Book Synopsis
£10.79
Amber Books Ltd German Fighter Aircraft of World War II
Book SynopsisArranged by type, German Fighter Aircraft of World War II offers a highly illustrated guide to the most important fighters used by the Luftwaffe during the conflict. It features such classics as the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Bf 110, the Heinkel He 100D-1 and the Focke-Wulf Fw 187 and Fw 190, as well as curiosities such as the Arado Ar 68F-1, Henschel Hs 123 and Heinkel He 51B biplanes. Late war innovations, such as the jet and rocket powered Me 262, Me 163 and Heinkel He 162, are also included. Most types are represented in numerous variants and with examples drawn from different theatres of the war. The book includes all the major fighters that served in the invasion of Poland, the defeat of France, the Battle of Britain, Operation Barbarossa, the war in the Mediterranean, the fighting on the Eastern Front and the Defence of the Reich. Each featured profile includes authentic markings and colour schemes, while every separate model is accompanied by detailed specifications. Packed with 110 full-colour artworks, German Fighter Aircraft of World War II is a key reference guide for military modellers and World War II enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Biplanes Arado Ar 66 Arado Ar 68 Heinkel He 50 Heinkel He 51 2. Single-Seat Monoplanes Heinkel He 100 Heinkel He 112 Messerschmitt Bf 109 Focke Wulf Fw 190 Focke Wulf Ta 152 Focke Wulf Ta 154 Dornier Do 335 Pfeil Blohm & Voss BV 40 3. Heavy Fighters Messerschmitt Bf 110 Focke-Wulf Fw 187 Falke Dornier Do 17Z night fighter Dornier Do 215 night fighter Dornier Do 217 night fighter Junkers Ju 88 night fighter Heinkel He 219 Uhu Messerschmitt Me 210 Messerschmitt Me 410 4. Jet and Rocket Fighters Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet Messerschmitt Me 262 Heinkel He 162 Salamander Bachem Ba 349 Natter Appendices Aircraft compared, variants, production numbers, losses Index
£16.19
Amber Books Ltd Allied Carrier Aircraft of World War II:
Book SynopsisIllustrated with colourful artworks of carrier aircraft and their markings, Allied Carrier Aircraft of World War II is a detailed guide to all the aircraft deployed by the Allied navies from 1939 to 1945. Organised chronologically by type and nationality, this book includes fighters, fighter-bombers, torpedo bombers, dive-bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, floatplanes and flying boats. All the best-known types are featured, such as the Grumman F4F Wildcat, Douglas TBD Devastator and Douglas SBD Dauntless that fought at the battle of Midway in 1942, as well as the Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber that proved so effective at the Battle of Taranto in 1940 and helped sink the German battleship Bismarck in 1941. The entries are accompanied by exhaustive captions and specifications. The guide is illustrated with profile artworks, three-views, and special cutaway artworks of the more famous aircraft in service, such as the Blackburn Skua torpedo bomber, Curtiss SB2 Helldiver dive-bomber and the Vought F4U Corsair heavy fighter. Illustrated with more than 100 artworks, Allied Carrier Aircraft of World War II is an essential reference guide for modellers and enthusiasts of military aircraft of World War II.Table of ContentsIntroduction Fighters and Fighter-Bombers US: Brewster Buffalo Grumman Martlet Grumman F4F WildcatSeversky P-35 Vought F4U Corsair Curtiss P-36 Hawk Curtiss P-40F Warhawk Grumman F6F Hellcat Grumman F7F Tigercat P-47 Thunderbolt (USS Manila) Ryan FR Fireball UK: Fairey Fulmar Blackburn Roc Gloster Sea Gladiator Gloster Gladiator II Hawker Hurricane I (HMS Glorious) Hawker Sea Hurricane Fairey Firefly Supermarine Seafire De Havilland Sea Hornet De Havilland Sea Mosquito Torpedo Bombers and Dive-Bombers US: Vought SB2U Vindicator Northrop BT-1 Douglas TBD-1 Devastator Douglas SBD Dauntless Curtiss SB2C Helldiver Consolidated TBY Sea Wolf Grumman TBF Avenger UK: Blackburn Skua Fairey Swordfish Fairey Albacore Fairey Barracuda Blackburn Firebrand France: Loire-Nieuport LN.401 Latécoere 299 Reconnaissance Aircraft and Flying Boats Brewster SB2A Buccaneer Sikorsky HNS helicopter Curtiss SO3C Seamew Consolidated PBY Catalina Martin PBM Mariner Appendix Bibliography Index
£16.19
Amberley Publishing British Airways Colouring Book
Book SynopsisA beautiful colouring book with fascinating images from the history of this iconic company.
£11.69
Cornerstone The Red Arrows: The Sunday Times Bestseller
Book SynopsisSUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLERDAILY MAIL BOOK OF THE WEEKTHE FIRST OFFICIAL HISTORY OF THE RED ARROWS'Heart-pounding, exhilarating . . . A fascinating testimony of jeopardy, cool heads and the sheer exultant addiction of flying.' SINCLAIR MCKAY'Fantastic . . . It was wonderful to read about so many old chums and truly legendary aviators. Highly recommended.' JOHN NICHOL (Twitter)'An exhilarating read! The next-best thing to taking the controls of a Hawk fast-jet. And you're much less likely to throw up.' BEN MILLER'Inspirational . . . Precision, style and dedication. The Red Arrows are the ultimate in teamwork.' TIM PEAKE'Perfectly enjoyable . . . As the Red Arrows head towards their 60th anniversary, it's clear the team's place in our hearts is secure.' DAILY MAIL'A wild ride . . . The ultimate insider guide, relating with great enthusiasm and insight what it means to be inside the cockpit as you scream through the skies at 350 to 450 miles per hour, within what feels like touching distance of your wingman, making continual nanosecond decisions that will result in certain death if you get them wrong.' TELEGRAPH, Patrick Bishop_________________________________________"Occasionally, you and the team come within read of perfection, up there in the rarefied air of the skies. You never know when those moments will come, but it's what you yearn for as a pilot."The Red Arrows represent the very best speed, agility and precision aerobatic flying in the Royal Air Force, and the people who wear those iconic red flight suits are rigorously selected not just for their flying skills, lightning-fast reflexes and nerves of steel, but for their mental resilience, courage and humility.Written by the Officer Commanding and former Red 1 Team Leader, Wing Commander David Montenegro, and full of never-before-shared tales from pilots past and present, this thrilling history is both a faithful record and a fascinating account of not only what it takes, but what it means, to be a Red Arrow._________________________________________Praise for the Red Arrows:'A lifetime's ambition . . . I still can't believe I've been in a fighter jet. It was fantastic - just to feel the G-force was spectacular.' LEWIS HAMILTON'So tight, crisp and professional' CHRIS HADFIELD'I can never quite believe that anyone can fly and aircraft with such precision' PROF. BRIAN COX'The skill level they have is just off the scale. The Red Arrows is an amazing display of quality' DAVID COULTHARD
£10.44
Amberley Publishing Heathrow Airport
Book SynopsisA richly illustrated history of Heathrow airport in the late 1940s and 1950s. Nostalgic look back at a golden period of aviation history.
£14.39
Amberley Publishing The Hercules
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£10.79
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Flight Craft 27 The Boeing B17
Book SynopsisA richly illustrated guide to one of the most important, and most famous, of the Second World War bombers.
£15.29
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Concorde
Book SynopsisWhen commercial air services were launched in 1976, Concorde was hailed as one of the wonders of the technological world. Flying at speeds in excess of Mach 2, she was the only commercial airliner ever developed that could maintain twice the speed of sound for periods of over two hours. This is an illustrated guide to Concorde that examines how its designers had to overcome significant challenges in the pursuit of supersonic commercial passenger travel. It documents early opposition to the development of supersonic flight, going on to trace Concorde''s path to commercial success. With stunning photography of the aircraft in development and in service, this gift book tells the story of one of the greatest engineering and technological feats of modern history.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Chronology /Design and Development /Technical Specifications /Service History /The Aftermath /Appendices /Index
£7.99
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC North American X15
Book SynopsisThe revolutionary X-15 remains the fastest manned aircraft ever to fly. Built in in the two decades following World War II, it was the most successful of the high-speed X-planes. The only recently broken ''sound barrier'' was smashed completely by the X-15, which could hit Mach 6.7 and soar to altitudes above 350,000ft, beyond the edge of space. Several pilots qualified as astronauts by flying above 50 miles altitude in the X-15, including Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon. The three X-15s made 199 flights, testing new technologies and techniques which greatly eased America''s entry into manned space travel, and made the Apollo missions and Space Shuttle viable propositions. With historical photographs and stunning digital artwork, this is the story of arguably the greatest of the X-Planes.
£13.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Hurricane Pocket Manual
Book SynopsisThe Hurricane Pocket Manual collates authentic period sources including pilot''s notes and other Air Ministry publications to provide a unique guide to this iconic aircraft.The Hawker Hurricane was a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd for the RAF. Although overshadowed by the Spitfire, during the Battle of Britain the Hurricane accounted for 60% of the RAF''s air victories in the battle, and served in all the major theatres of the Second World War.The 1930s design evolved through several versions and adaptations, resulting in a series of aircraft that acted as interceptor-fighters, fighter-bombers (also called ''Hurribombers''), and ground support aircraft. Further versions known as the Sea Hurricane had modifications that enabled operation from ships. Some were converted as catapult-launched convoy escorts, known as ''Hurricats''. More than 14,583 Hurricanes were built by the end of 194Trade ReviewA fitting book for an immortal aircraft, most enthusiastically recommended ... Packs in more information than books on the subject that are more than twice the size and three times the price * Firetrench *
£9.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC F86A Sabre
Book SynopsisStrap in alongside the Sabre pilots as they experienced the world''s first large-scale jet-vs-jet combats. Brought to life with innovative tactical artwork and dramatic first-hand accounts from the pilots themselves.The F-86A Sabre had entered USAF service in 1949, and in December 1950 three squadrons were sent to South Korea. Despite primitive basing conditions and overwhelming Chinese opposition, the Sabre pilots stopped communist air forces from attacking UN ground troops and allowed Allied fighter-bombers to operate without threat of interception. The ensuing air battles between Sabres and MiG-15s were the first since World War II, and the last in recent times to involve large numbers of jet fighters in direct confrontation. In all of them the victorious F-86 pilots demonstrated the superiority of their training and tactics and the outstanding qualities of their Sabres. Contemporary photographs and specially commissioned artwork, including a dramatic battlTrade ReviewWhat really makes this book is the volume of personal accounts and the rich selection of mostly colour photographs. The stunning artwork showing tactics, armament, examples of dogfights in ribbon diagrams and the full two page artwork really add value to these short volumes. The high standard of Osprey Publishing is maintained with this book. This is must for any Korean War aviation fans or any F-86 Sabre fans. If you want to know what dogfighting in the F-86 against nimble and heavily armed M-15s mostly flown by Russians as we now know then this is a book for you! * Aviation News Magazine *Table of ContentsCHAPTER 1 In Battle This chapter features an account of a Sabre engagement with MiG-15s over ‘MiG Alley’ to involve the reader in the atmosphere of battle from the outset. CHAPTER 2 Setting the Scene Sabre's first clashes with MiGs. CHAPTER 3 Path to Combat Anecdotal experiences of pilots concerning training and tactical instruction. CHAPTER 4 Weapon of War Although some early pilots found the F-86A lacked manufacturing consistency (one remarked that ‘pieces kept falling off them’), the first batch of 35 F-86A-1s for the 4th FIW soon evolved into effective F-86A-5 combat machines. CHAPTER 5 Art of War USAF, Soviet and Chinese sources are used in studying the combat techniques brought to the battles over ‘MiG Alley’ by pilots from both sides. CHAPTER 6 Combat USAF pilots describe their experiences in the F-86A, explaining how their combat tactics evolved and assessing their engagements. F-86As also flew ground attack missions, although the later Sabre variants were better equipped for this. CONCLUSION APPENDICES F-86A units and bases in Korea 1950-51, notable pilots involved in these early A-model actions and aces of that period. INDEX
£13.29
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Flight Craft 12: The Junkers Ju87
Book SynopsisThe Junkers Ju 87 Stuka (a contraction of the German word Sturzkampfflugzeug, ie dive bomber) was arguably the Luftwaffe s most recognisable aeroplane, with its inverted gull wings and fixed spatted undercarriage. Designed by Hermann Pohlmann as a dedicated dive bomber and ground-attack aircraft, the prototype first flew in 1935, and made its combat debut in 1937 with the Luftwaffe's Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War. After several design changes in the light of operational experiences, the Stuka went on to serve the Luftwaffe and Axis forces, from the invasion of Poland in 1939, through the Battles of France and Britain in 1940, over the North African desert and the across Mediterranean, the invasion of Russia and the subsequent bitter fighting in that vast area, and following several more design changes and upgrades, continued to serve through to the end of World War Two. This latest addition to the growing Flight Craft range, follows the previous well established format, in that it is split in to three main sections. The first section, after offering a concise design and development history, continues with coverage of the various sub-types, from Anton to Gustav and their operational use from the Spanish Civil War to the end of World War Two. This is followed by a 16-page full colour illustration section featuring detailed profiles and 2-views of the colour schemes and markings carried by the type in Luftwaffe and Axis service. The final section lists as many of the injection-moulded plastic model kits produced of the Junkers Ju 87 in all the major scales that the authors could find details of, including the brand new Airfix 1/72 and 1/48 scale kits which were released while this book was being written, with photos of many finished models made by some of the world s best modellers. As with all the other books in the Flight Craft range, whilst published primarily with the scale aircraft modeller in mind, it is hoped that those readers who might perhaps describe themselves as 'occasional' modellers, or even simply aviation enthusiasts, may also find that this colourful and informative work offers something to provoke their interests too.
£15.29
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The English Electric Lightning
Book SynopsisThe early 1950s were a boom time for British aviation. The lessons of six years of war had been learned and much of the research into jet engines, radar and aerodynamics had begun to reach fruition. In Britain, jet engine technology led the world, while wartime developments into swept wing design in Germany and their transonic research programme were used to give western design teams a quantum leap in aircraft technology. The English Electric Lightning emerged at this time. This supersonic fighter aircraft of the Cold War era is perhaps best remembered for its amazing take-off performance, its exceptional rate of climb and its immense speed. Here, Martin Bowman takes us on a photographic journey of the famed Lightning, illustrating the various landmarks of its impressive operational history.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Pioneering Places of British Aviation: The Early
Book SynopsisFrom as early as the beginning of the nineteenth century, Britain was at the forefront of powered flight. Across the country many places became centres of innovation and experimentation, as increasing numbers of daring men took to the skies. It was in 1799, at Brompton Hall, that Sir George Cayley Bart put forward ideas which formed the basis of powered flight. Cayley is widely regarded as the father of aviation and his ancestral home the cradle' of British aviation. There were balloon flights at Hendon from 1862, although attempts at powered flights from the area later used as the famous airfield, do not seem to have been particularly successful. Despite this, Louis Bleriot established a flying school there in 1910. It was gliders that Percy Pilcher flew from the grounds of Stamford Hall, Leicestershire during the 1890s. He was killed in a crash there in 1899, but Pilcher had plans for a powered aircraft which experts believe may well have enabled him to beat the Wright Brothers in becoming the first to make a fixed-wing powered flight. At Brooklands attempts were made to build and fly a powered aircraft in 1906 even before the banked racetrack was completed but these were unsuccessful. But on 8 June 1908, A.V. Roe made what is considered to be the first powered flight in Britain from there - in reality a short hop - in a machine of his own design and construction, enabling Brooklands to claim to be the birthplace of British aviation. These are just a few of the many places investigated by Bruce Hales-Dutton in this intriguing look at the early days of British aviation, which includes the first ever aircraft factory in Britain in the railway arches at Battersea; Larkhill on Salisbury Plain which became the British Army's first airfield, and Barking Creek where Frederick Handley Page established his first factory.
£16.99
Fonthill Media Ltd Soviet Fighters of the Second World War
Book SynopsisThe Soviet Air Force had just started to re-equip with modern fighters when the Germans opened Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. Hundreds of fighters were destroyed in the first few days, but many of these were obsolete biplanes and monoplanes. The remaining fighters, including more modern types such as the MiG-3 and LaGG-3, tried to stem the Nazi advance. This book details the development of the Red Air Force fighters, from the dark days of Operation Barbarossa, to eventual triumph over the ruins of Berlin. Starting with obsolete aircraft such as the Polikarpov biplane and monoplane fighters, the Soviets then settled on two main lines of development; the inline-engined LaGG-3 and its radial-engined derivatives, the La-5 and La-7, and the inline-engined Yakovlev fighters, which were produced in greater numbers than any other series of fighters. Not only are these aircraft described in great detail, but experimental fighters are also dealt with. In addition to the descriptions, accurate colour profiles are provided illustrating the evolution of these aircraft in terms of design, camouflage, and markings. From the fixed undercarriage I-15bis biplane of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, to the superb La-7 and Yak-3 fighters of the last year of the war, the fighters of the Red Air Force are all covered in this comprehensive book.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; Glossary; Preface; Timeline; Introduction; 1 Pre-Second World War Soviet Fighters; 2 Second World War Fighters; 3 Lavochkin Fighters; 4 Mikoyan-Gurevich; 5 Polikarpov; 6 Yakovlev; 7 Twin-Engined Fighters; 8 Colours and Markings in General; 9 Soviet Second World War Fighter Specifications; 10 Non-Soviet Second World War Fighter Specifications; 11 Experimental Fighters; 12 Experimental Fighter Specifications; 13 Concluding Thoughts; Appendix I: Ordnance; Appendix II: Soviet Fighter Doctrine During the Second World War; Appendix III: Soviet Fighter Organisation During the Second World War; Appendix IV: Soviet Fighter Pilot Training; Appendix V: Top Soviet Fighter Aces (Pilots With Fifty or More Kills); Appendix VI: Production Figures; Appendix VII: Fighter Production During the Great Patriotic War for Germany and the Soviet Union; Appendix VIII: Total Fighter Combat Losses During the Great Patriotic War; Bibliography; Index.
£32.00
Haynes Publishing Group Haynes Icons Concorde: 1969 onwards (all models)
Book Synopsis1969 onwards (all models), Written by two of British Airways' most experienced Concorde flight crew, the Concorde Manual is the latest aircraft manual from Haynes, following on from the acclaim received by the Spitfire Manual., Concentrating on the technical and engineering aspects of Concorde, this manual gives rare insights into owning, operating, servicing and flying the supersonic airliner. Although the British and French Concorde fleets were prematurely retired in 2003, interest in this marvel of design and technology remains undiminished and all who admire Concorde will relish the unique information provided in this innovative title., Authors: Captain David Leney and Senior Engineer Officer David Macdonald. Captain David Leney is a former pilot and Flight Manager (Technical) for BA's Concorde Division. Senior Engineer Officer David Macdonald is a former flight engineer and Flight Engineer Superintendent (Concorde). Between them, the two Davids have thousands of flying hours on Concorde. They live in Camberley and Marlow respectively., Icon titles were originally published in the classic, larger manual size and have now been produced in a smaller format containing the same information.
£12.34
Atlantic Books The Journey Matters: Twentieth-Century Travel in
Book SynopsisWhat was it really like to take the LNER's Art Deco Coronation streamliner from King's Cross to Edinburgh, to cross the Atlantic by the SS Normandie, to fly with Imperial Airways from Southampton to Singapore, to steam from Manhattan to Chicago on board the New York Central's 20th Century Limited or to dine and sleep aboard the Graf Zeppelin? In the course of The Journey Matters, Jonathan Glancey travels from the early 1930s to the turn of the century on some of what he considers to be the most truly glamorous and romantic trips he has ever dreamed of or made in real life.Each of the twenty journeys allows him to explore the history of routes taken, and the events - social and political - enveloping them. Each is the story of the machines that made these journeys possible, of those who shaped them and those, too, who travelled on them.Trade ReviewGlancey combines his passion for the era with an insight into the social and political clouds brewing over the heads of passengers... The joy really is in the minute detail... For anyone with an obsession with the Golden Age of Travel, this will be the first class ticket. * Wanderlust *A thoroughgoing, eloquent corrective to complacency... The historical context is always nicely etched in, but what stands out is the experiential detail... Detailed yet dreamlike. * Country Life *Engrossing and lively... The most enchanting book you'll read this winter. * Steam Railway Magazine *Jonathan Glancey's imaginative work is a reminder that it is often the journey rather than the destination that is the best part of travelling. His book cleverly brings to life various historic settings through the mechanism of transport, with entirely believable scenarios, and each time helpfully brings us up to date. -- Christian Wolmar, author of Railways and the RajTable of Contents0: Introduction 1: Londonderry to Burtonport: Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway 2: The Brill Branch: London Transport 3: Frankfurt to Rio de Janeiro: Graf Zeppelin 4: New York to Southampton: SS Normandie 5: London to Glasgow: Coronation Scot 6: Dundee to King's Cross via Edinburgh: Coronation 7: Southampton to Singapore: Imperial Airways 8: New York to Chicago: 20th Century Limited 9: Chicago to Minneapolis: Afternoon Hiawatha 10: Bristol to Paris: Bristol 405 11: Liverpool Street to Hammersmith: Route 11 12: Massawa to Asmara: Ferrovie Eritrée 13: Birmingham to London: Midland Red 14: Milan to Rome: Il Settebello 15: The Black Mountains and Elan Valley: Jaguar Mk 2 16: London to Fort William: West Highlander 17: Tongliao to Hadashan: QJ 18: Baghdad to Basra: Toyota Land Cruiser and Chevrolet Suburban 19: Wolsztyn to Poznan: 0416 hours 20: London to Helsinki via Travemünde: Jeep Cherokee and MV Finnpartner
£9.49
Michael O'Mara Books Ltd Hurricane: The Plane that Won the War
Book SynopsisBritain’s first-ever wartime fighter plane, the Hawker Hurricane, shot down more enemy planes than any other fighter. It was the true aviation hero of the Battle of Britain.Often eclipsed by the legend and aerial heroics of the Spitfire, the Hurricane was the authentic warhorse of aviation history. Stable, rugged, less expensive to build – and far more easily repaired and maintained than the Spitfire – the ‘Hurri’ as it was affectionately known, proved to be the most fearsome fighter plane in aerial combat – at a time when Britain’s survival was at stake like never before.In 1940 the Hurricane made its mark: more than half of the 1,200 German aircraft that were shot down in the war were taken down by Hurricanes. At the time, the RAF could call on 32 squadrons of Hurricanes and 19 Spitfires: the Hurricane was, in fact, the dominant British fighter plane, developing a reputation as a plane that could take more than a few hits from the enemy – and continue to fly. The Spit was the aviation thoroughbred, superb until damaged. The Hurri was much stronger. The skilled airmen came from all over the world; one of them from RAF 80 Squadron would later become a very famous author – Roald Dahl. Using documents, letters and first-hand accounts, this is the historic untold story of the Hawker Hurricane and the lives of the men and women who flew, helped design and construct, fit and worked behind the scenes of the ‘Hurri’, all contributing in ways big and small, to its outstanding success as a legend of the Second World War.Trade ReviewThis excellent book ... relates the aircraft’s fascinating history * Royal Air Force News *Jacky Hyams' book is engaging, easy to read, poignant, and informative in turn ... a book about the countless human stories of quiet courage, sacrifice, hard work, and emotional strain that the factory workers, pilots, and ground crews endured throughout the Second World War -- Charlie Trumpess * theWarYears.co.uk *
£15.29
Crecy Publishing abc Civil Aviation of the 1950s
£12.15
Key Publishing Ltd Concorde
Book SynopsisThe desire for airliners that could fly faster and higher than all that had gone before them was ingrained into the commercial aviation world from the end of the Second World War. The STAC (Supersonic Transport Advisory Committee) was formed in October 1956 and would be in charge of development of and responsible for the many manufacturers that would be needed to build an aircraft named Concorde. Bearing in mind the complexity of the aircraft, Concorde was one of the world's safest considering the distances it travelled and the eye-watering speed at which it flew. This made the loss of the Air France Concorde in 2000 a particularly unfitting beginning of the end' for the airliner which courted controversy right to the final . It was a combination of factors that saw the airliner enter retirement three years later but the bottom line is that Concorde was getting old and, despite being built like the proverbial brick out-house', constant supersonic cycles take their toll, and that kind of punishment would not be expected of a military aircraft, let alone a civilian one. The Concorde was an incredible achievement from the outset, built by two different nations that overcame every technical problem that arose (which were innumerable) to produce, by far, the most iconic airliner ever built. This book explores the failures, triumphs and history of this aircraft, from its beginning to its end.
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd Bristol Beaufighter
Book SynopsisFounded in 1910, the Brisol Aeroplane Company was both one of the first and most important British aviation companies. One of its most famous creations, the Britsol Beaufighter, took its first flight on 17 July 1939, and shortly after became a highly effective night-fighter with the RAF during the Second World War. It also went on to have extensive service in Australia, New Zealand, Poland and the United States, to name a few. Beautifully illustrated, this book charts the design, development and service of this impressive multi-role aircraft.
£14.39
The History Press Ltd Concorde
Book Synopsis
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Surviving Fighter Aircraft of World War Two
Book SynopsisThis is a guide to the existing WWII aircraft to be found in aviation museums throughout the world. Each DPS contains a colour photo of an example of the aircraft as viewed in an aviation museum, examples of different marks (wartime shots in mono) and a textual resume of the type with statistics.The aircraft can be viewed in the USA, UK, France, Czechoslovakia, USSR, Canada, Australia, Finland, Holland, Poland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Sweden and Spain.
£16.99
Caitlin Press Atlin's Anguish: Bush Pilot Theresa Bond and the
Book SynopsisOn September 27, 1986, pilot Theresa Bond and five passengers took off on a routine flight from Atlin, BC, in her beloved de Havilland Beaver. The Taku Air passenger list that day included local politician Al Passarell, his wife, and three of Atlin''s most prominent citizensincluding larger-than-life Atlin Inn owner Joe Florence. After an uneventful eighty minutes, the plane crossed the edge of Dease Lake, turned south and descended for landing. But something went tragically wrong in those last few minutes of Flight 2653. According to eyewitnesses the Beaver nosedived into the lake at full cruising speed. As the plane sank into the icy depths of the lake, only pilot Theresa Bond managed to escape. All five passengers drowned. The small town of Atlin was torn apart by the tragedy. Years of endless hearings and inquiries supplied few answers, only fueling the sorrow and anger of grieving family and friends. In time the furor surrounding the inquest dissipated, but for Theresa Bond, the flames of her own private hell continued to consume her. Unable to live with the guilt and loss she had caused the families of her passengers, Bond plummeted into despair. Atlin''s Anguish is a brother''s dedicated and loving journey to understanding what happened that day on Dease Lake. Was it simply a lack of experience that caused Bond to lose control at such a crucial moment, or were there other circumstances that led to the crash of Flight 2653?
£14.39
Dalrymple and Verdun Publishing Supermarine Attacker: The Royal Navy's First
Book Synopsis
£13.46
Dalrymple and Verdun Publishing Tempest: Hawker's Outstanding Piston-engined
Book Synopsis
£18.66
Mortons Media Group Cold War Interceptor
Book SynopsisThe West was stunned when the Soviet Union dropped its first atomic bomb in August 1949 and a year later the Korean War showcased Russia's incredible technological progress in the form of the MiG-15 - a fighter capable of besting anything the RAF had to offer at that time. In the wake of the Second World War, funding for the RAF's Fighter Command had fallen away dramatically but now there was an urgent need for new jet fighters to meet the threat of Russian bombers head-on. Britain's top aircraft manufacturers, including Hawker, English Electric, Fairey, Vickers Supermarine, De Havilland, Armstrong Whitworth and Saunders-Roe, set to work on designing powerful supersonic aircraft with all-new guided missile systems capable of meeting a Soviet assault and shooting down high-flying enemy aircraft before they could unleash a devastating nuclear firestorm on British soil.The result was some of the largest, heaviest and most powerful fighter designs the world had ever seen - and a heated debate about whether the behemoths should be built at all as guided weapons became ever more advanced. This is the story of Britain's secret cold war fighter jet designs, fully illustrated with a host of drawings, illustrations and photographs.
£23.38
Grub Street Publishing Gnat Boys
Book SynopsisThe Folland Gnat was used by the RAF mainly in the advanced training role, in the 1960s and 70s, where it proved to be an ideal lead-in trainer for high-performance aircraft such as the iconic Lightning, the first RAF supersonic fighter. It was also the aircraft used by the famous Yellowjacks formation aerobatic team, formed in 1964, the forerunner of the world-famous Red Arrows team which was equipped with the Gnat for over a decade before being replaced by the Hawk in 1980. Lesser known, the Gnat was also used as a lightweight fighter by both the Indian and Finnish air forces. In the case of India, the Gnat, later called the ‘Ajeet’ (Midge), saw combat experience in the Indo-Pakistani wars, most notably in the Battle of Boyra. Today, over 60 years since the aircraft first flew, several Gnats continue to be operated from North Weald Airfield in Essex by the Heritage Aircraft Trust under the brand, the Gnat Display Team. This book relates the history of the aircraft and includes many fascinating and untold stories by those who flew the aircraft, many of them well-known and distinguished aviators including those from the Indian and Finnish air forces. There is also a focus on the civilian life of the Gnat in the 21st century with accounts from those who continue to fly the aircraft with the Heritage Aircraft Trust. Gnat Boys is set to become one of the most sought-after books about aviation covering a very special era in aviation history, a must read for everyone with an interest in stories of human trial and endeavour.
£21.25
Grub Street Publishing Me262: Hitler's Jet Plane
Book SynopsisThe Me 262 was the world’s first operational military jet. Hitler believed that it would become Germany’s ‘miracle weapon’ and took a great personal interest in its development. Pilot Mano Ziegler was involved from its inception and contributed to its design and testing. Could the Me 262 have broken Allied supremacy in the air? Why did it take so long to come into service and why were hundreds of German pilots sacrificed in developing it? Most important of all, why did the Me 262 prove not to be the unparalleled success that Goering claimed it would be and what role did Hitler play in this ultimate failure? These are some of the questions this compelling book answers.
£21.25
Unicorn Publishing Group Nine Lives: The Story of Biggin Hill
Book SynopsisFrom Battle of Britain fighter station to commercial airport, this is the inspiring story of Biggin Hill. Biggin Hill, world-famous as a Battle of Britain fighter station, has had many lives. First used as an airfield in 1917, Biggin Hill saw brutal action in both World Wars, never losing a day’s operations despite devastating enemy attacks. Since 1959 two dynamic figures have kept this historic airfield open against the odds: fighter ace Jock Maitland, creator of the renowned Biggin Hill International Air Fair, and army pilot Andrew Walters, who has turned it into London’s No 1 business airport, with a thriving aviation community that includes air charter companies, engineering firms, flying schools, storage and restoration, and major Formula 1 and Bombardier operations. Meanwhile a new Museum and St George’s Memorial Chapel keep memories of its days as a Royal Force Station alive. The first full history of this great airfield, Nine Lives looks behind the scenes of a busy modern airport, digs deep into its dramatic past, and tells an inspiring tale of enterprise, innovation, teamwork and determination.
£32.00
Amber Books Ltd Luftwaffe Squadrons 1939–45: Identification Guide
Book SynopsisIllustrated with detailed artworks of World War II-era German aircraft and their markings with exhaustive captions and specifications, Luftwaffe Squadrons 1939–45: Identification Guide is the definitive study of the equipment and organisation of the Luftwaffe’s combat units. Organised by theatre of operations and the many campaigns fought by the Luftwaffe, the book describes in depth the various units that were fighting on the front at key points in the war and describes the models of aircraft in service with each unit along with their individual and squadron markings. With information boxes accompanying the full-colour artworks, Luftwaffe Squadrons 1939–45 is an essential reference guide for modellers and any enthusiast with an interest in the aircraft of the German war machine.Table of ContentsThe Early Years: First Battles Mediterranean Theatre War on the Eastern Front Maritime Operations The Defence of the Reich The Final Months Glossary Index
£16.99
