Aircraft and aviation Books
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 *
£15.73
Author Solutions Inc Thirty Seconds to Impact The Captains Story of Flight BA38
£17.67
£14.76
Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 747400 Pilot Handbook Simulator and Checkride Procedures Airline Training
£46.33
Author Solutions Inc Aerotowing Gliders A Guide to Towing Gliders with an Emphasis on Safety
£19.99
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co ,U.S. Essentials of Aviation Management A Guide for Aviation Service Businesses
Book SynopsisProvides the analytical tools that will assist the manager of the aviation service business who wishes to be competitive in today's aviation environment capitalize on challenges and opportunities. This is a practical reference for the individual in industry and also serves well in undergraduate and graduate courses.
£173.40
Trafford Publishing Safety Was No Accident
£15.43
AuthorHouse Soaring Skyward
£19.11
AuthorHouse We Caused The Roswell Crashes
£9.96
Arcadia Publishing (SC) Along Manhasset Bay Images of America
Book Synopsis
£19.99
Arcadia Publishing (SC) Beaumonts Civil Air Patrol in World War II
Book Synopsis
£19.19
Arcadia Publishing (SC) Central Oregon Aviation
Book Synopsis
£19.19
Arcadia Publishing (SC) Ellsworth Air Force Base Images of America
Book Synopsis
£18.74
Arcadia Publishing (SC) Idaho Aviation
Book Synopsis
£19.19
Arcadia Publishing Pan American World Airways Images of Modern
Book Synopsis
£19.99
Arcadia Publishing Alabama Aviation
Book Synopsis
£19.99
Arcadia Publishing Alabama Aviation
Book Synopsis
£7.59
Arcadia Publishing South Plains Army Airfield Images of Aviation
Book Synopsis
£19.99
Arcadia Publishing Braniff Airways Flying Colors Images of Modern
Book Synopsis
£19.54
Arcadia Publishing Hidden Images of the Wright Brothers at Kitty
Book Synopsis
£18.69
History Press Wyomings Friendly Skies Training Americas First
Book Synopsis
£17.59
History Press The Lake Michigan Triangle
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£19.19
History Press Terror Over Elizabeth New Jersey
Book Synopsis
£17.59
History Press Italo Balbos Flight to the 1933 Chicago Worlds
Book Synopsis
£19.99
AuthorHouse Human Factors
£14.73
Headline Publishing Group The Spitfire Kids
Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''An inspirational read celebrating the incredible young people who gave so much for this iconic British aircraft''. John Nichol, bestselling author of Spitfire: A Very British Love StoryDespite the many films and television programmes over the decades since the end of the Second World War that portrays our allied heroes as grown-up men and women, the Battle of Britain was in the main actually fought and won by teenagers. The average age of an RAF fighter pilot was just twenty years old. Many of the men and women who designed and built their planes were even younger. Based on the hit BBC World Service podcast Spitfire: The People''s Story, we use contemporary diaries and memoirs, many of them previously unpublished, to tell the story of the Spitfire through the voices of the teenagers who risked everything to design, build and fly her. This isn''t a story oTrade ReviewDraws on unpublished diaries and archive recordings to chronicle the extraordinary national effort to construct the fighter aircraft that gave the Allies a critical edge over the Luftwaffe. * The Times *A truly epic account of the actual and symbolic role the plane played in defending Britain in the Second World War. * Sunday Times *Tells the inspiring story of how ordinary citizens came together to build the famous Battle of Britain aircraft. * The Observer *The story of how these fast and lethal little planes helped win the Second World War is stirringly told in this new BBC series. * The Mail on Sunday *The story of the Second World War's most famous plane is peppered with women - many of their stories untold in the decades since the conflict. * The Telegraph *An inspirational read celebrating the incredible young people who gave so much for this iconic British aircraft. * John Nichol, bestselling author of Spitfire: A Very British Love Story *Read Spitfire Kids and you'll start believing this plane has a pulse! * Tessa Dunlop, broadcaster and bestselling author of Century Girls *It is a story of heroism that goes beyond the spiffy moustaches and aerial acrobatics we have all seen in old movies, tapping into the verve and tenacity shown by a young workforce. * The Herald *The Spitfire Kids puts the iconic fighter plane into the round by telling the stories of the people who made it into an icon. -- Al Murray
£19.00
Headline Publishing Group The Spitfire Kids
Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''An inspirational read celebrating the incredible young people who gave so much for this iconic British aircraft''. John Nichol, bestselling author of Spitfire: A Very British Love StoryDespite the many films and television programmes over the decades since the end of the Second World War that portrays our allied heroes as grown-up men and women, the Battle of Britain was in the main actually fought and won by teenagers. The average age of an RAF fighter pilot was just twenty years old. Many of the men and women who designed and built their planes were even younger.Based on the hit BBC World Service podcast Spitfire: The People''s Story, we use contemporary diaries and memoirs, many of them previously unpublished, to tell the story of the Spitfire through the voices of the teenagers who risked everything to design, build and fly her.This isn''t a story of Trade ReviewDraws on unpublished diaries and archive recordings to chronicle the extraordinary national effort to construct the fighter aircraft that gave the Allies a critical edge over the Luftwaffe. * The Times *A truly epic account of the actual and symbolic role the plane played in defending Britain in the Second World War. * Sunday Times *Tells the inspiring story of how ordinary citizens came together to build the famous Battle of Britain aircraft. * The Observer *The story of how these fast and lethal little planes helped win the Second World War is stirringly told in this new BBC series. * The Mail on Sunday *The story of the Second World War's most famous plane is peppered with women - many of their stories untold in the decades since the conflict. * The Telegraph *An inspirational read celebrating the incredible young people who gave so much for this iconic British aircraft. * John Nichol, bestselling author of Spitfire: A Very British Love Story *Read Spitfire Kids and you'll start believing this plane has a pulse! * Tessa Dunlop, broadcaster and bestselling author of Century Girls *It is a story of heroism that goes beyond the spiffy moustaches and aerial acrobatics we have all seen in old movies, tapping into the verve and tenacity shown by a young workforce. * The Herald *
£11.69
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 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.
£10.44
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 The Mosquito Pocket Manual
Book SynopsisThe Mosquito 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 de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito was a British multi-role combat aircraft with a two-man crew that served during and after the Second World War. It was one of few operational front-line aircraft of the era constructed almost entirely of wood and was nicknamed The Wooden Wonder.The Mosquito was also known affectionately as the Mossie to its crews. Originally conceived as an unarmed fast bomber the Mosquito was adapted to a wide range of bombing roles. It was also used by BOAC as a fast transport to carry small high-value cargoes to, and from neutral countries through enemy controlled airspace.The book collates a variety of pamphlets and manuals on the plane that were produced throughout the war for the benefit of pilots and others associated with the aircraft.Trade ReviewRecommended. There are great images, in the form of photographs and drawings, through the body of the book. An amazing and iconic aircraft, covered so effectively by this handbook. * 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
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Official Illustrated History of RAF Search
Book SynopsisAn inspiring and fascinating illustrated celebration of the rich and glorious history of the RAF''s Search and Rescue Force, with a foreword from HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.This book is an official, fully illustrated, in-depth account of the SARF''s rich and glorious history, from its origins in World War II through to its recent withdrawal after 75 years of service. The book contains a foreword by HRH Prince William himself, plus action-packed and awe-inspiring photographs from the RAF''s archive of photographs and exclusive interviews with former crewmembers, telling their own dramatic stories.Officially endorsed by the RAF, An Illustrated History of the RAF Search and Rescue Force is the first, and only, major book of its kind written on this subject. It is an essential purchase for anyone with an interest in military history, British history, the Royal Family and those who love stories of extreme and daring rescue missions.
£21.25
Macha Press Balloons Airships and Flying Machines
£20.79
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Olympic Airways
Book SynopsisGraham M. Simons presents a balanced history of Olympic Airways, beginning with the story of its origin and bringing the story fully up to date. This is the most comprehensive history of the airline to be released thus far.
£30.00
Pen & Sword Books Ltd US Military Helicopters
Book SynopsisComprehensive account of US military helicopters in war and peace up the present day.
£15.29
McFarland & Co Inc The Crash of Delta Flight 723
Book Synopsis At the height of the Watergate scandal, Delta Flight 723 crashed into a fog-shrouded seawall at the end of Runway 4R at Logan Airport in Boston. While this incident and Watergate seemed unrelated at first, President Richard Nixon and his subordinates'' actions during Watergate interfered with the ability of the National Transportation Safety Board to properly investigate the crash. It wasn''t until three court cases, a federal investigation, congressional hearings, as well as a state investigation, when the true cause of the accident was exposed ten years later. This is also the story of Air Force Sergeant Leopold Chouinard and his incredible fight for survival. Chouinard survived the initial impact of the crash, only to suffer third and fourth degree burns on the majority of his body. Doctors fought against incredible odds to try and save Chouinard''s life. For 134 days, Leo Chouinard defied all expectations as his doctors and nurses applied the latest advancements in Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsPrefaceIntroductionAbbreviations 1. Fog Warning 2. Passengers and Crew 3. Merger 4. "Let Me Get Off the Plane" 5. "Partial Obscuration" 6. "He Didn't Say to Go On Down" 7. "I Don't Trust That Thing" 8. "A Large, Long Flame" 9. "Aircraft Down on 4R"10. "My Name Is Leo Chouinard"11. The NTSB12. "Avoid Public Criticism of the FAA"13. "We Are Going to Do Everything We Can to Save You"14. "Thousands and Thousands of Pieces of the Plane All Over"15. "Criminally Negligent"16. "You Want to Get Warned About Hitting the Ground"17. "Trying to Use This Accident in a Cheap Political Way"18. "We're Dealing with a Burn That Is Normally a Fatal Burn"19. "The Administration Has Made Repeated Attempts to Both Harass and Intimidate the Board"20. "There Is a Record of Malfunctions"21. "If He Was Going to Die, We Did Not Want Him Dying on Our Watch"22. "Leo, You're an Uncle"23. "The Result of Nonstandard Air Traffic Control Services"24. "An Unusually Foggy Day"25. "Mr. Taylor Simply Forgot About Delta 723"26. "The Interrelationship Existing Between Pilot and Ground Personnel Can Best Be Characterized as One Requiring Extensive Cooperation"27. "Short Circuits Caused by Particles Produced Mechanical Misalignment"28. "You Are Not Going to Get Rid of Me, Mike"Chapter NotesBibliographyIndex
£20.89
McFarland & Co Inc Flying Adventurers
Book Synopsis Aviation books were a unique and prolific subgenre of American juvenile literature from the early to mid-20th century, drawing upon the nation''s intensifying interest. The first books of this type, Harry L. Sayler''s series Airship Boys, appeared shortly after the Wright brothers'' first successful flight in 1909. Following Charles Lindbergh''s solo flight across the Atlantic, popular series like Ted Scott and Andy Lane established the golden age of juvenile aviation literature. This work examines the 375 juvenile aviation series titles published between 1909 and 1964. It weaves together several thematic threads, including the placement of aviation narratives within the context of major historical events, the technical accuracy in depictions of flying machines and the ways in which characters reflected the culture of their eras. Three appendices provide publication data for each series, a list of referenced aircraft and an annotated bibliography; thTable of Contents Table of Contents Preface General Introduction Part 1—Early Flight Introduction Harry L. Sayler's Airship Boys Series Ashton Lamar's The Aeroplane Boys Series Captain Wilbur Lawton's Boy Aviators Series Edward S. Ellis' Flying Boys Series Margaret Burnham's Girl Aviators Series Edith Van Dyne's Flying Girls Series John Luther Langworthy's Bird Boys/Aeroplane Boys Series James Otis' Silver Fox Farm Series Frank Walton's Flying Machine Boys Series Roy Rockwood's Dave Dashaway Series Part 2—World War I and After Introduction Horace Porter's Our Young Aeroplane Scouts Series Charles Amory Beach's Air Service Boys Series Laurence La Tourette Driggs' Arnold Adair Series Austin Bishop's Bob Thorpe Sky Fighter Series H.H. Arnold's Bill Bruce Series Captain Frank Cobb's Aviator Series Part 3—The Golden Age: Exploration and Adventure Introduction Franklin W. Dixon's Ted Scott Series John Prentice Langley's Aviation Series Noel Sainsbury's Billy Smith Flying Ace Series Eustace Adams' Andy Lane Series Keith Russell's The Young Birdmen Series Irving Crump's Cloud Patrol Series Eugene Martin's Randy Starr Series Richard H. Stone's Slim Tyler Air Stories Series L.P. Wyman's Hunniwell Boys Series E.J. Craine's Airplane Boys Series Part 4—The Golden Age: Girls' Series Introduction Mildred Wirt's Ruth Darrow Series Edith Lavell's Linda Carlton Series Bess Moyers' Girl Flyers Series Harrison Bardwell's Airplane Girls Series Part 5—The Golden Age: Pilots as Professionals Introduction Ambrose Newcomb's Sky Detective Series Noel Sainsbury's Bill Bolton Series Dorothy Wayne's Dorothy Dixon Series Philip Lee Wright's Air Pilot Series Percy Keese Fitzhugh's Mark Gilmore Series Graham M. Dean's Tim Murphy Series Edwin Green's Andy High Airship Series Harris Patton's Young Eagles Series Van Powell's Sky Scouts Series Van Powell's Call of the Clouds Series Lewis Theiss' Jimmy Donnelly Air Mail Series Lewis Theiss' Ginger Hale Series Frederic Nelson Litten's Johnny Caruthers Series Howard M. Brier's Barry Martin (Skycraft) Series Part 6—The Golden Era: Military Fliers Introduction Thomson Burtis' Russ Farrell, Airman Series Thomson Burtis' Rex Lee Aviation Series Thomson Burtis' Slim Evans Series Covington Clarke's Red McGee Series Frederic Nelson Litten's Jimmie Rhodes Series Thomson Burtis' Air Combat Series Eustace Adams' Air Combat Series Blaine and Dupont Miller's Bob Wakefield Series Part 7—World War II Introduction Ted Copp's Steve Knight Series Lewis Theiss' Criswell and Dewire Series Robert Sidney Bowen's Dave Dawson Series Robert Sidney Bowen's Red Randall Series Al Avery's Yankee Flier Series Canfield Cook's Lucky Terrell Series Part 8—Flight Stewardess Series Introduction Patricia O'Malley's Carol Rogers Series Patricia O'Malley's Caddy Palmer Series Elisabeth Lansing's Nancy Naylor Series Margaret Hill's Beth Dean Air Hostess Series Helen Wells and Julie Tatham's Vicki Barr Flight Stewardess Series Part 9—Postwar and the Space Age Period Introduction Alan Gregg's Reed Conroy Series Milt Caniff's Steve Canyon Series Rutherford G. Montgomery's Kent Barstow Series Donald Wollheim's Mike Mars Series Conclusion Appendix 1: Juvenile Aviation Series Titles Appendix 2: List of Aircraft Mentioned in American Juvenile Aviation Series Books Bibliography Index
£39.00
McFarland & Co Inc In the Pilots Seat
Book Synopsis With 40 years'' experience and more than 7,000 hours of flight time as a general aviation pilot, Bob Worthington compiles his extensive aviation knowledge to share with those who want to become pilots, student pilots, and professional pilots. As an aviation psychologist, aviation journalist, and owner of nine different airplanes, Worthington provides the reader with access to many aspects of aviation. This book begins with an introduction to aviation, continues through flight training, and introduces the reader to aviation organizations and how they can benefit pilots. How to buy an airplane, maintain it, and have it become a business deduction for taxes is also covered alongside emergency and survival tips. The book ends with a section on aging aviators and how one can continue to fly safely in their 70s and 80s.
£27.54
McFarland & Company Iron Aviator
Book Synopsis
£27.54
McFarland & Company Airships
Book Synopsis
£32.39
Simon & Schuster The Wright Brothers
Book Synopsis
£24.00
Simon & Schuster The Wright Brothers
Book Synopsis
£16.20
Xlibris Willy Victor and 25 Knot Hole
Book Synopsis
£18.74
Rowman & Littlefield 25 Most Influential Aircraft Ocb
Book Synopsis
£28.00
Capstone Classroom Aviones Medios de Transporte
Book Synopsis
£7.55
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
