Aircraft and aviation Books
The History Press Ltd Project Apollo
Book SynopsisA miscellany of facts, figures and stories from the Apollo mission programme, representing the furthest humankind has ever travelled
£10.44
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Douglas DC3
Book SynopsisA Legends of Flights Illustrated to the Douglas DC-3, the airliner from which the famous C-47 Skytrain military transport was derived.
£23.79
Firefly Books Ltd Graphic War: the Secret Aviation Drawings and
Book SynopsisGraphic War is a superb collection of top-secret drawings, including training manuals and colourful wartime posters, from World War II. They were brilliantly created from a few downed aircraft, but mainly from pilots' views of the enemy in the air, during missions. Almost all of the material was originally listed as restricted - official use onlyA" and previously unpublished in any form. The cutaway drawings of the aircraft and airborne weaponry were critical to the war efforts of Allied and Axis forces alike. As there was little intelligence available to pilots about the design, power and armament on opposing aircraft, these graphic transcriptionsA" were essential. Many of the graphic artists and technical illustrators employed by the Allies, and most employed by the Axis powers, remain anonymous. Their work survives on these pages, however, to provide rare and unique insight into war room strategy and the air- and ground-crew trainee classroom. Aviation enthusiasts, modellers, illustrators, artists and anyone with an interest in World War II history will find Graphic War a compelling inside look at the war fought in the sky.
£21.21
Mortons Media Group HOTOL Britains Spaceplane
Book SynopsisThe start of Space Shuttle operations in 1981 marked a new era in spaceflight ? with the five orbiters launching numerous satellites, interplanetary probes and the Hubble Space Telescope. But Shuttle was only partially reusable, its external fuel tank being expendable and its solid rocket boosters having to be recovered from the ocean and refurbished. Putting a satellite into orbit using a rocket was even more wasteful ? with boosters such as Ariane being one-shot only. The costs were literally astronomical.So when rocket scientist Alan Bond met propulsion and systems specialist Bob Parkinson at the British Interplanetary Society in 1982 during a lecture on Ariane 5, they got to talking about alternatives to the expendable rocket and concluded that the solution was? an aerospaceplane.The concept was deceptively simple ? a vehicle able to take off from a conventional runway, fly up into space, complete its mission, then fly back down and land. Bond and Parkinson believed it could be done and HOTOL ? HOrizontal Take-Off and Landing ? was born.By 1985 both British Aerospace and Rolls-Royce were backing the project. A television news broadcast in 1987 made HOTOL famous overnight, with the whole nation now aware of its existence. The Government agreed to provide yet more financial backing and the work ramped up into high gear, with some of Britain?s best engineers engaged in making this remarkable vehicle a reality.Just a year later, Minister of State of Trade and Industry Kenneth Clarke, under pressure from Margaret Thatcher, withdrew funding ? signalling the beginning of the end of HOTOL. Decades later, Elon Musk and SpaceX would finally corner the market in reusable space transportation with the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, putting an end to any hope of a HOTOL revival.HOTOL: Spaceplane of the Future by Dan Sharp covers the full story of HOTOL?s development in detail from beginning to end drawing on both the BAE Systems archive and the personal archives of the project?s creators. It includes hundreds of previously unseen diagrams and illustrations, ranging from full colour brochures and publicity material ? both used and unused ? to schematics of all of HOTOL?s numerous configurations.
£32.00
Schiffer Publishing Ltd F111 Aardvark
Book Synopsis
£17.09
Amberley Publishing Piper Cherokee
Book SynopsisAfter the Cessna 172, the Piper Cherokee is one of the most popular aircraft for the owner/pilot.
£14.39
Haynes Publishing Group Convair B-36 Peacemaker: 1949–59
Book SynopsisUnofficially named the 'Peacemaker', the Convair B-36 is a legend of the Cold War. With six powerful radial engines and four turbojets paired in pods, the B-36 was America's 'Big Stick' that could subdue would-be aggressors with unrestrained nuclear retribution at a level unmatched by any other aircraft or air force of the time., Built initially from a requirement to bomb Nazi-occupied Europe from the United States, the B-36 entered service with the US Air Force in 1948 as the world's first operational nuclear bomber with hemispheric range, while at the same time becoming the largest American aircraft to enter volume production. It was later adapted as a long-range reconnaissance aircraft equipped with the most powerful cameras ever carried in the air., Author: David Baker offers an unrivalled insight into this behemoth that held the line against the growing Soviet threat during the opening decade of the Cold War. He lifts the lid on the 'Peacemaker', bringing together several decades of research and investigation into an aircraft that bridges the piston-engine era and the age of the all-jet bomber. With the aid of more than 300 photographs and detailed performance charts, he describes the design, development, structure and systems of the B-36 and its service with the US Air Force's Strategic Air Command at a crucial point in post-war history.Table of ContentsContents INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE: THE ORIGIN OF THE B-36 CHAPTER TWO: DEVELOPING THE B-36 CHAPTER THREE: TYPE EVOLUTION AND PRODUCTION CHAPTER FOUR: VARIANTS AND DERIVATIVES CHAPTER FIVE: ANATOMY OF THE B-36 CHAPTER SIX: SERVICE LIFE CHAPTER SEVEN: FLYING THE B-36 CHAPTER EIGHT: REMINISCENCES APPENDIX
£21.25
The Crowood Press Ltd Flight Of The Mew Gull: Record-breaking flying in
Book Synopsis
£18.04
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Dreamland
Book SynopsisThis is the definitive factual history of the US military flight-testing program at Area 51, authored by a recognized authority on the subject.
£51.74
Crecy Publishing American Secret Projects 2: Airlifters
Book SynopsisThis book charts the history of the US airlifter from its origins in World War II to today''s transport giants. In doing so, it reveals and describes numerous designs which never saw the light of day, examining the thinking behind them and giving insights into why they did, or did not, succeed. In many ways, this untold story of aviation history reflects both the changing face of conflict and the exercise of geo-political power; it has also had a major bearing on the development of civil aviation. The book has been made possible by the authors being given unprecedented access to major aerospace company archives, uncovering scores of design proposals which have never previously been revealed. It is profusely illustrated, much in full colour, with artwork and three-view drawings extracted from manufacturers'' archives and with photographs of original project models. As well as describing how airlifters were progressively developed to meet ever-more demanding military transport requirements, the book looks at other roles for which they were adapted, from nuclear test-beds to Space-Shuttle carriers. This previously untold story describes over 200 unknown, or little known, designs, and contains over 400 illustrations detailing some of the largest and most incredible aircraft ever conceived.
£23.38
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 P38 Lightning Vol. 1
Book SynopsisThis first of two volumes presents the P-38 story by focusing on the early models of this historic fighterXP-38 through P-38H. Each type is examined through carefully researched archival photos, as well as photographs of currently preserved examples.Known to the enemy during World War IIas the Fork-tailed devil, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning was piloted by those who were charged with the responsibility of escorting American bombers deep over heavily defended Europe during the early years of the air campaign against Nazi Germany. Detailed text and captions illustrate not only the design and constructionof the early-war Lightnings, but also their combat use in WWII. Large, clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, put the reader on the airfield and in the sky with this historic aircraft.Part of the Legends of Warfare series.
£999.99
Schiffer Publishing Ltd P47 Thunderbolt
Book Synopsis
£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
Book Synopsis
£8.54
Crecy Publishing De Havilland Mosquito
Book Synopsis
£15.26
Astral Horizon Press DC8 and the Flying Tiger Line 1
Book SynopsisThe story of the Douglas DC-8 jetliner in the service of air cargo giant Flying Tiger Line, with a detailed individual airframe history of each of their forty-three DC-8s; pilots recollections; a wealth of photographic, technical and promotional material; and two epic essays, covering the history of the airline, and the DC-8.Table of Contents1. The Flying Tiger Line. 2. The Douglas DC-8. 3. Happy Tiger Records. 4. Individual Aircraft List. 5. Flightdeck. 6. The Flying Tigers DC-8-63 Simulator. 7. Three Off This Earth. 8. The NASA DC-8.
£999.99
Destinworld Publishing Ltd 100 Ways to Fly More And Get More Out of Your
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Indy Pub Bit By Bit
Book Synopsis
£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
Book Synopsis
£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
Pan Macmillan Skybound
Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Edward Stanford Travel Memoir of the Year Award'Extraordinary' Daily Telegraph'Breathtaking' Guardian Skybound by Rebecca Loncraine is a book for anyone who has looked up and longed to take flight. The day she flew in a glider for the first time, Rebecca Loncraine fell in love. Months of gruelling treatment for cancer meant she had lost touch with the world around her, but in that engineless plane, soaring 3,000 feet over the landscape of her childhood, with only the rising thermals to take her higher and the birds to lead the way, she felt ready to face life again. And so Rebecca flew, travelling from her home in the Black Mountains of Wales to New Zealand’s Southern Alps and the Nepalese Himalayas as she chased her new-found passion: her need to soar with the birds. She would push herself to the boundary of her own fear, and learn to live with joy and hopTrade ReviewProfound, euphoric and courageous . . . breathtaking . . . a shimmering parting gift to those still earthbound * Guardian *A soaring gift of a book. A moving meditation on landscapes and the leaving of them, the freedom of travelling beyond our fears -- Owen SheersMakes you look at the sky and the land with new eyes . . . extraordinary . . . a celebration of wind and wings * Daily Telegraph *Stunning . . . Skybound is so full of life - a love letter to nature and a hymn of love to the parental bond -- Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of The Last Act of Love and A Manual for HeartacheA valuable contribution . . . if Skybound is a manual for anything, it's for how to find lift on the Earth in the face of uncertainties . . . remarkable -- Mark Vanhoenacker, author of Skyfaring * Spectator *If you’re looking for beauty, love and courage, read this book -- Nicholas CraneAs thoughtful and insightful as it is courageous and inspiring * Sunday Express *Astonishingly beautiful . . . a record of a life that was lived vividly and thrillingly and intensely . . . brilliant and unique -- Niall Griffiths, author of GritsThis beautiful book transformed the way I see the sky . . . fascinating -- James Macdonald Lockhart, author of RaptorProfound and exquisitely written -- Jay Griffiths, author of Wild: An Elemental JourneyA life-affirming memoir * Radio Times *Proves that one can soar above the fear of death both literally and in language of unsurpassed beauty . . . the book is about the sheer thrill of being part of the astonishing earth we have in common, written by an extraordinarily sensitive and gifted writer * Harvard Review *I have never read anything like it . . . painted from a palette of courage, honesty and moments of great beauty -- Jim CrumleyA poetic as it is inspirational * New Statesman *
£999.99
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Concorde Pocket Manual
Book SynopsisFirst flown in 1969, Concorde was the first supersonic aircraft to go into commercial service in 1976 and made her final flight in 2003. She was operated primarily by British Airways and Air France. British Airways'' Concordes made just under 50,000 flights and flew more than 2.5 million passengers supersonically. A typical London to New York crossing would take a little less than three and a half hours compared to around eight hours for a subsonic flight. In November 1986 a Concorde flew around the world, covering 28,238 miles in 29 hours, 59 minutes.Today, Concordes can be viewed at museums across US, including in New York, Seattle, and Washington D.C. However, there have been recent reports suggest that a Concorde may start operating commercially again. Through a series of key documents the book tells the story of how the aircraft was designed and developed, as well as ground-breaking moments in her commercial history.
£10.99
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
Book Synopsis
£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
Fonthill Media Ltd Gotha Aircraft: From the London Bomber to the
Book SynopsisThe Gothaer Waggonfabrik (GWF), originally a German rail vehicle manufacturer, entered the aircraft industry in 1913. The driving force behind this major change in production in this small Thuringian duchy in central Germany was a member of the British royal family. Gotha aircraft managed to make a name for themselves internationally. As with ‘Fokker’ regarding fighter aircraft, the name ‘Gotha’ is synonymous with German bomber aircraft of the Great War. Even successful seaplanes and the world’s first asymmetric aircraft were a part of GWF’s production at this time, and lasted until the post-war Treaty of Versailles forced the abandonment of aircraft production. Aircraft could not be built in Gotha again until 1933. GWF did get development contracts for the Luftwaffe, but they were essentially incidental side issues and not of the lucrative mass construction variety. In 1939 a world altitude record on the sports aircraft Gotha Go 150, provided GWF with a small though internationally significant highlight. During the war the GWF developed cargo gliders and, under licence, built the Messerschmitt Bf 110. In 1945 Gotha was supposed to undertake batch production of the flying wing jet fighter, Horten Ho 229, and even designed its more radical successor. In 1954 the aircraft construction finally ended and once again, the production consisted of gliders and one last proprietary design was created.
£999.99
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
IGI Global Research Anthology on Reliability and Safety in
Book SynopsisAs with other transportation methods, safety issues in aircraft can result in a total loss of life. Recently, the air transport industry has come under immense scrutiny after several deaths occurred due to aircraft design and airlines that allowed improperly inspected aircraft to fly. Spacecraft too have found errors in system software that could lead to catastrophic failure. It is imperative that the aviation and aerospace industries continue to revise and refine safety protocols from the construction and design of aircraft, to secure and improve aviation systems, and to test and inspect aircraft.The Research Anthology on Reliability and Safety in Aviation Systems, Spacecraft, and Air Transport is a vital reference source that examines the latest scholarly material on the use of adaptive and assistive technologies in aviation to establish clear guidelines for the design and implementation of such technologies to better serve the needs of both military and civilian pilots. It also covers new information technology use in aviation systems to streamline the cybersecurity, decision making, planning, and design processes within the aviation industry. Highlighting a range of topics such as air navigation systems, computer simulation, and airline operations, this multi-volume book is ideally designed for pilots, scientists, engineers, aviation operators, air traffic controllers, air crash investigators, teachers, academicians, researchers, and students.
£999.99
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
Book Synopsis
£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 Cold War Warriors: (Warplanes On The Brink Of
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Key Publishing Ltd MiG Red Star Fighters
Book Synopsis
£8.54
Key Publishing Ltd Boeing 777
Book Synopsis
£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.
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Key Publishing Ltd Widebody Jets
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Key Publishing Ltd Airports of the World 2025
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