Aircraft and aviation Books
Penguin Books Ltd Fly By Wire
Book SynopsisOn January 15, 2009, a US Airways Airbus A320 had just taken off from LaGuardia Airport in New York, when a flock of Canada geese collided with it, destroying both of its engines. Over the next three minutes, the plane''s pilot Chelsey Sully Sullenberger, managed to glide to a safe landing in the Hudson River. It was an instant media sensation, the The Miracle on the Hudson, and Captain Sully was the hero. But, how much of the success of this dramatic landing can actually be credited to the genius of the pilot? To what extent is the Miracle on the Hudson the result of extraordinary - but not widely known, and in some cases quite controversial - advances in aviation and computer technology over the last twenty years?From the testing laboratories where engineers struggle to build a jet engine that can systematically resist bird attacks, through the creation of the A320 in France, to the political and social forces that have sought to minimize the impact of the revolutionarTrade ReviewA wonderful story expertly told, and the ending is not just happy but uplifting: almost everyone involved comes out of it not just safely but extremely well. Except the geese. Their day totally sucked. * Geoff Dyer, Observer *Enthralling piece of reportage ... concisely written and compelling ... Langewiesche's unblinkered analysis of Sullenberger's five-minute glide into history reveals the more complicated truth behind the creation of a modern hero * Sunday Times *A crisp, meticulously and dramatically told account of the as yet unresolved story of how humans and advanced technology are learning to form a partnership ... [Langewiesche] writes as if his pen has wings, his laptop a pair of General Electric turbofans * Guardian *Langewiesche is at his best ... deconstructing the modern media hero * Financial Times *Brilliant ... Langewiesche explores the approach to this moment, from the flock of Canada geese that wrecked both engines to the expertise of Sullenberger; who used the A320's automated 'fly-by-wire' system to ditch the plane with such success * Independent *
£11.69
University of Illinois Press On the Ground
Book Synopsis On the Ground charts labor relations in the airline industry, unraveling the story of how baggage handlers--classified as unskilled workers--built tense but mutually useful alliances with their skilled coworkers such as aircraft mechanics and made tremendous gains in wages and working conditions, even in the era of supposedly 'complacent' labor in the 1950s and 1960s. Liesl Miller Orenic explains how airline jobs on the ground were constructed, how workers chose among unions, and how federal labor policies as well as industry regulation both increased and hindered airline workers'' bargaining power.Trade Review“Provides a detailed history of institutions, regulatory regimes, technological evolution, and the development of the division of labor, wages and working conditions in the airline industry. This is an extremely useful work.”--EH.Net"An important study."--Enterprise and Society"An important study ... which should interest union activities and academics."--Enterprise & Society"This wonderful treatment of an underexamined area of labor history is able to cut through mounds of tangled and confusing material to reveal a clear picture of how workers coped with an ever-changing industry. . . . An important book."--Labor Studies Journal"With sympathy and careful detail, Orenic offers a well-documented counterpoint to the story of post-World War II labor complacency by showing how airline ground crews used militant tactics to build their unions in the 1950s and 1960s."--Business History ReviewTable of ContentsList of Illustrations ix Acknowledgments xi Introduction 1 1. The U.S. Airlines through the 1930s 7 2. Airline Work during World War II 49 3. Organizing the Airline Industry, 1945-49 71 4. Bargaining in Prosperity, 1949-59 132 5. On the Ramp in the 1950s and 1960s 155 6. Militance and the Mutual Aid Pact, 1960-70 191 Epilogue: Deregulation and Beyond 217 List of Interviews 225 Manuscript Collections and Specialized Libraries 227 Notes 229 Index 271
£20.89
HarperCollins Amelia Earharts Daughters
Book SynopsisIn 1942, with war raging on two fronts and military pilots in short supply, the U.S. Army Air Force enlisted a handful of skilled female aviators to deliver military planes from factories to air bases--expanding the successful program to include more than one thousand women. These superb pilots flew every aircraft in the U.S. Army Air Force--including B-26s when men were afraid to--logging more than siz million miles in all kinds of weather. yet when World War II ended, their wartime heroism was left unheralded. In 1961, with the dawn of the space age, a handful of top female pilots took part in a new program termed Women in Space. Subjected to the same rigorous tests as the Mercury astronauts, thirteen women--top-notch pilots--were admitted to the program. Once again women had reason to dream...that at least oneof them would be the first of their sex in space. The matter went as far as Congress, where dramatic hearings included testimony from astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter. But their hopes were dashed. These skilled aviators had the right stuff at the wrong time, and again women were denied their place in history. This is their story, one of courage, ferocity, adn patriotism.
£13.59
The History Press Ltd Aviation Disasters
Book SynopsisFlying as an airline passenger is, statistically, one of the safest forms of travel. Even so, the history of civil aviation is littered with high-profile disasters involving major loss of life. This new edition of the authoritative work on the subject brings the grim but important story of air disasters right up to date. David Gero assembles a list of major air disasters since the 1950s across continents. He investigates every type of calamity, including those caused by appalling weather, mechanical failure, pilot error, inhospitable terrain and hostile action. The first incident of sabotage involving a commercial jetliner is covered, as is the first, much-feared crash of the jumbo jet era. Examined alongside less well-known disasters are high-profile episodes such as that of Pan American Flight 103 at Lockerbie in 1988, the Twin Towers tragedy of 11 September 2001 and, more recently, the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in 2014 the greatest mystery of the comme
£21.25
Schiffer Publishing Ltd P47 Thunderbolt
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£17.09
Johns Hopkins University Press Airplanes The Life Story of a Technology
Book SynopsisAirplanes shows how the solutions to these riddles have helped spur dramatic changes in the world's social and cultural life.Trade ReviewThe author manages to do an impressive job of thoroughly discussing the details and specifics of the way that airplane technology improved and the political movements, world events, and social change that brought about these improvements. The introduction also offers an excellent overview of the physics of flight and the time line of the evolution of the airplane. Choice 2007Table of ContentsPrefaceIntroduction: Higher, Faster, and FartherTimeline1. The Origins of Powered Flight, 1783–19142. The First War in the Air, 1914–19183. The Aeronautical Revolution, 1918–19384. World War II in the Air, 1939–19455. The Second Aeronautical Revolution, 1930–Present6. The Jet Airplane as a Military Weapon, 1945–Present7. The Commercial Airplane, 1945–Present8. General Aviation, 1920–PresentConclusion: Higher, Ever HigherGlossarySelected BibliographyIndex
£20.42
Crecy Publishing Sky Tiger
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£8.54
Crecy Publishing De Havilland Mosquito
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£15.26
Indy Pub Bit By Bit
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£29.24
Amberley Publishing Flying up the Edgware Road
Book SynopsisLavishly illustrated throughout, this is the fascinating story behind this oft-forgotten London industry.
£14.39
Amberley Publishing Swissair
Book SynopsisCommercial aviation author Charles Woodley explores an illustrated history of this popular, now defunct, airline.
£14.39
Xlibris The Outer Whorl
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£21.85
Amberley Publishing The Merlin EHAW 101
Book SynopsisAs one of the most iconic helicopters of all time reaches thirty, Rich Pittman offers a richly illustrated look back at a vehicle that remains popular with armed services and aviation enthusiasts around the world. The helicopter used to be designated the EH101 and is now the AW101.
£14.39
Amberley Publishing Shropshire Airfields Through Time
Book SynopsisLooking at the fascinating history behind the airfields of Shropshire, which was particularly popular during the Second World War.
£14.39
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Handley Page Victor: Tales from a Crew Chief
Book SynopsisSome aircraft inspire passion, others nostalgia, but others, often the unsung heroes, are more of a connoisseur's choice. The Handley Page Victor easily falls into this last category. In this follow-up to _The Handley Page Victor: The History and Development of a Classic Jet,_ Volumes _I_ and _II,_ Roger Brooks extends his earlier historical narratives, this time offering an action-packed and riveting memoir of a career spanning forty years. The book charts changes as they occurred in the aeronautical industry from the 1950's onwards and, as such, it should appeal to both individuals who were caught up in events at the time as well as students of the era. In addition to the aircraft itself, Roger worked extensively with tankers, refuelling the Victor as it took part in a variety of operations in the fraught Cold War era. He brings all aspects of his career to life across these pages, offering the kind of details that can only be gained by first-hand experience.
£16.99
Authorhouse UK Troubled Skylines: Travails of Nigerian
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£24.29
Astral Horizon Press Flying Tiger Archives: Volume 1: 1945 to 1965:
Book SynopsisThis collection, immaculately curated by leading aviation historian Guy Van Herbruggen, dives into the never-before-seen archives of the pioneering Flying Tiger Line, starting with the airline's founding by American combat pilots based in China during World War Two, through the golden age of the propliner up to the arrival of their first jet, the Boeing 707. The aircraft, the people, the places and the times are brought to vivid life in this stunning collection of nearly 350 fascinating images. Aviation pioneers, Hollywood stars, presidents, pistons, and propellers create a stunning portrait of a bygone ageTrade Reviewan engaging journey with the airlines of the world ....... a surprisingly durable souvenir; Charles Kennedy: Airliner World
£27.00
The Crowood Press Ltd Airliner Models: Marketing Air Travel and Tracing
Book SynopsisFor most of the past century, beautiful models of airliners have been made to promote their airlines' services in travel agents and their own shops. The models also illustrate the evolution of airliner design over these decades: the wood and fabric biplanes of the 1920s, the broad adoption of all-metal airliners in the 1930s, the first jet airliners of the 1950s, the first wide-body airliners of the 1970s and the pioneering small steps in supersonic air travel are all covered. The increasingly colourful exterior schemes adopted by the airlines, to ensure recognition by aspiring passengers, provide an interesting subtext. For model collectors, the airliner type, makers name, scale, approximate age and the materials used are detailed for each model illustrated. A short history of significant model-making companies is covered. With the onset of online bookings and the closure of airline offices and travel agents, the use of models is fast vanishing forever. The focus of this book is to preserve this fascinating era when models were a significant marketing tool, and to ensure that these models, at least in photographic form, survive as a record for future generations.Trade ReviewThis is a book to read, to leaf through with pleasure, to leave out in full sight of friends and visitors and to come back to. In future, airliner models are likely to be commissioned for the niche uses of marketing and specialised trade shows but the heyday of models like those featured here, often works of art requiring so many hours of labour from true craftsmen, are long past, and Airliner Models is a fitting tribute to them. -- Bob Lange * Aerospace Magazine *
£45.00
The Crowood Press Ltd Multimedia Building Techniques for Scale Model
Book SynopsisThis is a practical guide to getting the best from the many resin and etch detailing kits available to enhance scale model aircraft, and is intended to help beginners and experienced model makers alike. Richly illustrated, it uses six model-building examples, from the very basic application of etch to the major conversions. It includes an overview of the tools required; guidance on building the basic model kit; an explanation of different types of multimedia; the methods for producing etched brass; how to undertake 3D design and 3D printing and, finally, gives the steps for successful resin casting.Trade ReviewIf you are wanting to make that 'masterpiece' model or simply just add improved detail, and have the time (and money), then this book is for you. * Constant Scale *
£17.99
Crecy Publishing Military Aircraft Markings 2022
Book SynopsisFirst published in the 1970s, Military Aircraft Markings has become an indispensable annual publication for aircraft enthusiasts, historians and students of military aviation. At the heart of Military Aircraft Markings is the most complete listing of all the aircraft of the UK Armed Forces; the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Army and associated units. For each entry the military serial, aircraft type, unit/operator and usual base are given. Further listings cover Ireland''s military aircraft and historic aircraft in military markings. Other sections of Military Aircraft Markings include American military aircraft based in Europe, overseas military aircraft which may be seen in the UK, unit markings and a unit serial number/letter de-code. In addition, the book provides a comprehensive listing of visiting aircraft from overseas air forces that may be seen during the air display season, together with a new full colour photo section. Also included are details of the UK''s main military air bases, a maintenance unit cross-reference and detailed RAF Squadron markings. This new 2022 edition of Military Aircraft Markings has been fully revised and updated by one of Britain''s leading authorities on military aviation. This is the must-have companion for all those interested in UK military aviation.
£11.66
Key Publishing Ltd Jet: The Engine that Changed the World
Book SynopsisThe invention of the jet engine had a profound effect on the world. Commercial jet aircraft revolutionised travel, opening up every corner of the planet. Few know that the jet engine was invented by an Englishman in 1929. The invention was a masterstroke of genius by 21-year-old Frank Whittle, replacing the piston engine’s thousands of reciprocating parts with one part: a single smoothly revolving turbine. Although the world’s first jet airliner was the British de Havilland Comet, Britain then gave away the technology – not only to the United States but to the Soviet Union as well. The Jet Set, the air hostess and the package holiday all followed. The dream of cheap, exotic travel had been realised. Yet, just like the impact of the internet, there were downsides to the world-reaching power of this phenomenon. Jet tells the story of this brilliant new technology, how it shrank the world and how it changed life forever.
£17.00
Key Publishing Ltd Supermarine 1913-63
Book SynopsisIt may be hard to imagine in 2012, but Great Britain was once filled with a plethora of aircraft manufacturers. One hundred years ago, the seeds of many of them were being sown, as the demand for aircraft gained pace following the outbreak of the First World War. Not all survived following the armistice and the subject of this book, Supermarine, only kept going by the skin of its teeth and certainly did not settle into a profitable aircraft manufacturing business until the mid to late 1920s. However, with the genius mind of Reginald Joseph Mitchell on board, the company could do no wrong and without doubt, the company's most famous and well-known product was the Spitfire. The colossal orders received for the fighter set the company on a steady post-war course which, once again, was a period that saw other companies fall by the wayside. Following Mitchell's demise, we must not forget the man who carried the baton, Joe Smith, who developed the Spitfire and Seafire into a machine that remained in production for ten years, ultimately ending its service career in Korea. Smith did not just ride on that back of Mitchell's designs and was responsible for the Spiteful, Seafang and the Attacker to name but a few. This book gives readers an insight into the aircraft produced by Supermarine, and those that did not quite make it, as well as a history of the aircraft company itself.
£15.19
Key Publishing Ltd Turboprops
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£8.54
Key Publishing Ltd Clipped Wings
Book SynopsisThe story of aviation is, above all, the story of success. Few, if any, industries could have equalled the astounding pace of the development of flight. For many, however, it was also the story of failure – of wasted ideas, wasted designs and wasted money. There is also a third category of aviation. A sort of success-failure story. These were the aircraft that never completely made the grade – and their histories and development are as fascinating as any. This book explores ten of these ‘middle of the road’ aircraft. Some were just poor aircraft; some came at the wrong time; some were misused; and some found themselves in the most awful of predicaments – they became the target of political bias. But they were all characters. They all had a working life, however limited, and they all had their vices and virtues. Including first-hand accounts from designers, test pilots, operators and aircrew, this book presents detailed research into the truth behind the image. The aircraft included are the B.E.2c, R.E.8, General Aircraft Monospar, Armstrong Whitworth Argosy, Fairey Battle, Blackburn Roc, Westland Whirlwind, Saro Lerwick, Avro Manchester, and Vickers Supermarine Swift.
£18.75
Key Publishing Ltd Tactical Air Command
Book SynopsisTAC was the largest of the USAF’s major Cold War combatant commands. Formed in 1946 and headquartered at Langley AFB, Virginia, it operated a huge range of aircraft over the following 46 years until it was inactivated in 1992. In 1946, it was equipped with mainly World War Two aircraft types including P-47s and P-51s. It soon ushered into service jet aircraft operations with the P-80 and F-86. Within a few years, TAC was operating a wide range of tactical fighters, ground attack fighters, light bombers, tactical missiles, photographic reconnaissance and special mission aircraft (reconnaissance, special operations, and electronic warfare). TAC played a significant part in the Korean War, the Cuban missile crisis and later the wars in SE Asia and the Gulf in 1991. It came to operate a large number of tactical fighter and attack aircraft including the F-84, F-100 and F-105. As the 1960s progressed, they were joined by the A-7, F-111 and F-4 and, in the 1980s, supplemented by A-10s, F-15s and F-16s through to the end of the Cold War. In the run-up to any war with the USSR, Tactical Air Command was expected to deploy its combat airpower to USAF Commands in Europe and/or the Pacific. That deployment capability struggled during the 1970s. However, from 1978 to 1984, the strength and capability of TAC was transformed by its new commander, General Wilbur ‘Bill’ Creech. He organised, equipped and prepared his units (including ANG and AFRES elements) to deploy from the continental US to the frontline in Europe. Ready to fight and familiarized with their area of operations they could have joined the war immediately, drawing on pre-positioned weapons stocks. As the Soviet threat diminished towards the end of the 1980s, all TAC’s preparations, planning and capabilities were tested for real following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. Suddenly sent to Middle East in the countries surrounding Iraq, those well tested plans saw TAC aircraft form a major part of all coalition air forces that took part in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 1992, in a major USAF reorganisation TAC became Air Combat Command.
£15.29
Key Publishing Ltd MiG Red Star Fighters
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£8.54
Key Publishing Ltd Boeing 777
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£9.49
The History Press Ltd Rocket and Jet Aircraft of the Third Reich
Book SynopsisRocket and Jet Aircraft of the Third Reich provides unrivalled insight into the aircraft that made Germany an almost indomitable enemy.
£16.19
Key Publishing Ltd Widebody Jets
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£9.49
Key Publishing Ltd Airports of the World 2025
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£9.49
Countryside Books Berkshire Airfields in the Second World War
Book SynopsisBerkshire began the Second World War in 1939 with virtually no military airfields. However, this quickly changed and a massive building programme was soon underway, initially intended to provide training facilities for bomber crews. As the newly built airfields became operational, some were taken over by the USAAF including Greenham Common, Membury and Welford and they were involved in the planning and eventual execution of operation Overlord, the Allied D-Day assault upon Fortress Europe. White Waltham near Maidenhead will always be remembered as the headquarters of the legendary Air Transport Auxiliary, whose male and then increasingly female pilots - including Amy Johnson - ferried every type of aircraft from the factories to the front line airfields. Not only did the ATA prove that girls had excellent flying skills, but also that they were capable of piloting solo the largest bombers. This book describes the history of each airfield, highlights some of the major operations carried out from them, and marks their overall contribution to the great war effort. The effects of the war on the daily lives of the people living in Berkshire are also described. Reading and Newbury in particular realised the constant dangers they faced from random daylight attacks by German planes. Robin Brook's action-packed account will bring back vivid memories for many. It is a sharp reminder of the time when the skies never ceased to throb with the drone of departing and returning aircraft.
£7.55
Crecy Publishing Rocks in the Clouds: High-Ground Aircraft Crashes
Book SynopsisThis title completes the latest from Eddie Doylerush''s covering high ground aircraft crashes in Wales, following on his previous successful books No Landing Place (1985), Fallen Eagles (1990) and No Landing Place 2 (1999). During the last war many Allied and Axis aircraft came to grief over Wales. With high mountains often wreathed in mist across Wales, many pilots lost their bearings and met their aircraft met their fate on these peaks. The area covered by this volume is roughly that south of the latitude of Brecon, which from East to West includes the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountain, south of Llandovery and the Presceli Hills in the west. Only one Luftwaffe aircraft landed in this area, a Heinkel 111 which struck barrage balloon cables at Newport, with only the pilot, Oblt. Harry Wappler surviving. He later escaped from prison camp and stole a RAF aircraft. His remarkable story is told by historian Hugh Trivett. Elsewhere, a Dornier 217 was shot down by RAF fighters off Port Eynon during the last major raid on Swansea in February 1943. Years later historian and diver, Steve Jones, found pieces of the wreckage on the beach at low water and followed the trail into deep water where he located the main site. He traced relatives of the pilot and visited them in Germany. These and many other fascinating stories are told in the book and many interesting crash sites are visited. The book incorporates appendices which include a full list of the high ground military losses and memorials to those who perished, as well as a bibliography.
£16.64
Dalrymple and Verdun Publishing Fleet Air Arm: Camouflage And Markings: Atlantic
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£21.21
Mortons Media Group Eagles of the Luftwaffe: Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor
Book SynopsisThe Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor was conceived for peace but turned to a warlike purpose savaging convoys bringing vital supplies to Britain. The aircraft Churchill called the scourge of the Atlantic became synonymous with the struggle to supply the Allies by sea. As a truly long-range reconnaissance bomber, the Condor acted as the eyes and ears of the Kriegsmarine, while packing a powerful punch itself. As the Allies stepped up their efforts to address the vulnerability of their convoys to aerial reconnaissance and attack, however, the Fw 200's weaknesses became ever more apparent.Naval aviation author Matthew Willis tackles the career of the feared aircraft, from its beginnings as a cutting-edge airliner, through its early development into a military transport and a maritime bomber and spyplane', including the addition of ever more armament and technology such as radar and the carriage of radio-controlled glider bombs. From the expanses of the Atlantic, via the freezing Arctic seas to the heat and dust of North Africa, the operational history of the Fw 200 is examined
£15.29
Grub Street Publishing Javelin Boys
Book SynopsisThe Gloster Javelin was the UK's first line of night and all-weather air defence both at home and in RAF Germany. In the 1950s, when it replaced the Meteor and Venom, this revolutionary bomber interceptor became integral to many great stories told here in terrific detail. With an unorthodox aerodynamic design, the Javelin initially had major production issues, which included a tendency for engines to self-destruct under certain conditions. Despite this and the criticism it faced - its nicknames included 'Flying Flat-Iron' and 'Harmonious Dragmaster' - the aircraft still receives much affection from its former aircrew. Starting from the first deliveries of Javelins in 1956 until the final withdrawal from RAF squadron use in 1968, Javelin Boys describes adventures in Cyprus, Singapore during the Indonesian Confrontation and Zambia during the Rhodesian declaration of UDI. In this period a total of 434 Javelins were built, with their use spanning across eighteen different squadrons. Steve Bond has interviewed a number of veterans, all with captivating tales of their time on the aircraft. Alongside their anecdotes is a detailed history of this unusual aircraft, accompanied by photography. This book is bound to appeal to all aviation fans.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR JAVELIN BOYS "With insightful text and an interesting array of photos, Javelin Boys is highly recommended. It both entertains and informs, a tricky balance to strike, but one achieved with aplomb here." Aeroplane (Book of the Month - December 2017) "A superb publication...the central presentation of a wide range of colour photos illuminates the whole book and indeed the story of the aircraft... An enthralling read that I thoroughly recommend." RAF Historical Society Journal "This book has it all; the derring-do, professionalism and dedication of those that flew and serviced the difficult, but ultimately successful delta design." Airfix Model World "Fascinating, funny and at times tragic anecdotes from former ground and aircrew personnel." Flypast
£13.49
Grub Street Publishing From Jet Provost to Strikemaster: A Definitive
Book SynopsisThis book covers the complete and long overdue history of the Hunting/BAC Jet Provost and Strikemaster, which for thirty-eight years trained generations of pilots and pioneered the RAF’s all-through flying training programme. Originally designed and built in 1951 as a private venture by Percival Aircraft in Luton, the Jet Provost became the primary jet-powered training aircraft for the RAF following a series of experimental courses at RAF Hullavington in 1955. By 1957, there was a contract for the production order of 100 Jet Provost T Mk. 3s. The Jet Provost even had a display flying team between 1958 and 1976 but was eventually withdrawn from RAF service in July 1993. The development of the BAC 167 Strikemaster in the 1960s saw a light-attack aircraft designed for counter-insurgency operations and predominantly used by overseas air forces. Adopted by thirteen air forces, both types have seen an array of action – from the Dhofar War to operating as close support and counter-insurgency against well-armed, communist-back guerrillas. Despite some 723 Jet Provost and Strikemaster airframes produced between 1954 and 1983, these aircraft have been overlooked in contrast to other jet types in the same period until now. David Watkins has produced an extensive look at these aircraft after years of painstaking research assisted by veterans and historians. Having accessed the archives of the Warton Collection, he has amassed a range of rare photography to accompany the extraordinary history of these jets. From Jet Provost to Strikemaster is a work of narrative and technical detail which will satisfy the most avid aviation fans.Trade Review“The book presents a fascinating and detailed history of the aircraft and includes a range of rare photographs.” * RAF News *“David Watkins has filled a gap in telling the story of a significant post-war aircraft. This book is sure to be popular” * Britain at War *“It’s a superb piece of work” * Flypast *
£21.25
Mortons Media Group Harrier Boys
Book SynopsisHarrier Boys, Volume One: Cold War Through the Falklands, 1969-1990, Bob Marston, who flew Harriers for many years, draws together accounts from others who worked with this unique jet through its history. The excitement, camaraderie and pride of Harrier operators shine through in the personal stories of those whose lives were changed by their experience of this iconic aircraft, both on land and at sea. In this first volume, events of the Cold War years are brought to life by contributors including Graham Williams, who flew the Transatlantic Air Race, Peter Dodworth, a member of the original Harrier Conversion Team, Peter Harris, a participant in the early defence of Belize, Sir Peter Squire, OC 1 (F) Squadron during the Falklands conflict, and Australian Dave Baddams, who commanded the Royal Navy Sea Harriers of 800 Squadron.The exceptional performance of this aircraft is evident throughout as is its well-renowned lengthy service life with the RAF and internationally.
£9.49
Next Chapter Gone
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£8.73
Johns Hopkins University Press Testing Aircraft Exploring Space An Illustrated
Book SynopsisBilstein goes on to describe NASA's recent planetary and extraplanetary exploration, as well as its less well-known research into the future of aeronautical design.Trade ReviewNo better introductory history of NACA and NASA exists. Choice 2003Table of ContentsContents: Preface Acknowledgments Abbreviations 1. Foundations for Flight, 1915-1930 2. Aeronautics in Peace and War, 1930-1945 3. Jets, Sonic Speed, and Satellites, 1945-1958 4. On the Fringes of Space, 1958-1964 5. Dress Rehearsals, 1964-1969 6. Aerospace Dividends, 1969-1973 7. International Ventures, 1973-1980 8. Aircraft and Aerospace Craft, 1980-1989 9. The Post-Challenger Years, 1989-1990's 10. Toward Century 21 11. Retrospect and Prospect Notes on Reading Chronology Index
£39.60
Cornell University Press Flying Camelot
Book SynopsisFlying Camelot brings us back to the post-Vietnam era, when the US Air Force launched two new, state-of-the art fighter aircraft: the F-15 Eagle and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.It was an era when debates about aircraft superiority went public—and these were not uncontested discussions. Michael W. Hankins delves deep into the fighter pilot culture that gave rise to both designs, showing how a small but vocal group of pilots, engineers, and analysts in the Department of Defense weaponized their own culture to affect technological development and larger political change.The design and advancement of the F-15 and F-16 reflected this group''s nostalgic desire to recapture the best of World War I air combat. Known as the Fighter Mafia, and later growing into the media savvy political powerhouse Reform Movement, it believed that American weapons systems were too complicated and expensive, and thus vulnerable. The group''s leader was Colonel John Boyd, Trade ReviewIn this lively, absorbing account, Hankins demonstrates the influence of a specific culture that celebrated the fighter pilot as a "knight of the air" who thrilled to aerial combat. * Foreign Affairs *[Dr. Hankins] writes in an engaging and accessible way that makes some occasionally highly-technical discussions quite lucid and illuminating. * Sir Richard Williams Foundation *Flying Camelot, he has written a superlative, accessible, and balanced study of the influence Boyd and his acolytes had on the US Air Force (hereafter "Air Force") and national defense establishment in the last quarter of the twentieth century. * Michigan War Studies Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Fighter Pilot with a Thousand Faces 2. You Can Tell a Fighter Pilot (But You Can't Tell Him Much)" 3. What We Mean When We Say "Fighter" 4. "The Right Fighter" 5. "The Lord's Work" 6. Writing Heresy 7. "Zealots of the Classic Variety" 8. Kicking Vietnam Syndrome Conclusion
£23.39
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Early French Aviation, 1905-1930
Book SynopsisFrance has been called the cradle of aviation by many - a fact that cannot be disputed, although some have tried. By the end of the 19th century, she led the world in lighter-than-air flight. Any concern about heavier-than-air flight was dismissed as inevitable, and France would achieve it in due course. By the time Bl riot bravely enquired Which way is England?' the country was ready to redress any perceived shortfall. Besides leading European aviation, France was the nation that named all the parts of an aeroplane with words many of which we still use everywhere today. France was also the first nation to stage air exhibitions. Unlike their counterparts in Britain, Germany and America, French designers were thoroughly entrepreneurial and tried a wide variety of adventurous styles from pusher to canard and monoplane to multiplane. In 1909 the first Air Show was held at the Grand Palais. The Exposition Internationale de locomotion a rienne' ushered in what was to become an enduring tradition. Every year, the aircraft exhibitions were a massive success. The interior design by Andr Granet, who since his youth had been fascinated by flying, was such a success that the Automobile-Club subsequently commissioned Granet to do the same for the car shows. It is not surprising that all this derring-do, all these technological achievements and all this innovation drew reporters and photographers like moths to a flame. The men, the machines, the places and the events all were recorded, reported, reproduced and then were filed away. Hundreds of images appeared in print, but thousands were printed up only as contact prints from large-format glass negatives and then disappeared into albums to be forgotten about. In the mid-1990s the author came across one such treasure-trove; a number of dust-covered albums containing around five hundred images of aircraft, airships and expositions - it is doubtful if most have appeared in print before, so this will probably be the first time the events of these French pioneers have ever been showcased.
£13.49
Random House USA Inc Flying Blind
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£12.80
Bloomsbury USA Luftwaffe Bombers vs British AA Defences
Book SynopsisAn illustrated study of the British Army's Anti-Aircraft (AA) Command's performance against the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. When the Battle of Britain commenced in July 1940, the Luftwaffe committed more than 1,200 medium bombers, 300 Ju 87 Stukas and 760 Bf 109 and Bf 110 fighters to the campaign. The response from British AA Command mustered 359 4.5in. guns, 666 3.7in. guns and 226 3in. guns, as well as 3,538 light and medium AA guns to tackle low-level Luftwaffe raiders, but was under-gunned and overstretched, struggling to provide sufficient weapons for every key site. Nevertheless, AA gunners shot down some 300 German aircraft by the end of the Battle of Britain on 31 October 1940, upping this count to 578 before the Blitz finished on 11 May 1941, and leading an estimated 48 per cent of Luftwaffe bombers to turn back because of heavy AA fire.In this action-packed study, World War 2 aviation expert Donald Nijboer examines the capabilities of both sides, and explores how British AA Command not only shot down so many enemy aircraft, but also forced them to fly higher, broke up their formations and decreased their accuracy. Tactical diagrams, maps, archival photographs and newly commissioned artwork provide additional insight and detail, helping to bring the bitter struggle over the skies of southern England to life.
£14.39
Schiffer Publishing Ltd A Pictorial History of the B2A Spirit Stealth
Book SynopsisThe history and development of Northrop's Flying Wings, from the innovative XB-35A to the B-2A Spirit.
£25.59
Crown The Hunt for Zero Point
Book SynopsisThis riveting work of investigative reporting and history exposes classified government projects to build gravity-defying aircraft--which have an uncanny resemblance to flying saucers.The atomic bomb was not the only project to occupy government scientists in the 1940s. Antigravity technology, originally spearheaded by scientists in Nazi Germany, was another high priority, one that still may be in effect today. Now for the first time, a reporter with an unprecedented access to key sources in the intelligence and military communities reveals suppressed evidence that tells the story of a quest for a discovery that could prove as powerful as the A-bomb.The Hunt for Zero Point explores the scientific speculation that a 'zero point' of gravity exists in the universe and can be replicated here on Earth. The pressure to be the first nation to harness gravity is immense, as it means having the ability to build military planes of unlimited speed and range, along with the most deadly weaponry the world has ever seen. The ideal shape for a gravity-defying vehicle happens to be a perfect disk, making antigravity tests a possible explanation for the numerous UFO sightings of the past 50 years.Chronicling the origins of antigravity research in the world's most advanced research facility, which was operated by the Third Reich during World War II, The Hunt for Zero Point traces U.S. involvement in the project, beginning with the recruitment of former Nazi scientists after the war. Drawn from interviews with those involved with the research and who visited labs in Europe and the United States, The Hunt for Zero Point journeys to the heart of the twentieth century's most puzzling unexplained phenomena.
£13.60
Schiffer Publishing Ltd McDonnell Douglas DC10MD11
Book Synopsis
£23.79
Schiffer Publishing Ltd The Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Book Synopsis
£29.75
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Queen of the Skies
Book Synopsis
£36.89
