Search results for ""Key Publishing Ltd""

During the late 1940s and into the 1950s, a number of British jet fighter and bomber aircraft were fitted with new, different or additional engines, both jet and rocket, to enable them to serve as test beds for those specific powerplants. These aircraft types included fighters such as the de Havilland Vampire, Gloster Meteor and Javelin, and Hawker Hunter, the one-off Hawker P.1072 and the English Electric Canberra, Short Sperrin, Vickers Valiant and Avro Vulcan bombers. This book brings together these specific aircraft, and the engines they tested, in a single volume. Accompanied by over 200 images, some of which are published here for the first time, it is an invaluable reference tool for both aviation enthusiasts interested in experimental and trails aircraft and modellers specialising in jet aircraft.

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Grand Central is an innovative and pioneering railway open-access operator with a relatively short, but varied history. Beginning operations in 2007, Grand Central runs its routes, Sunderland and Bradford Interchange to London King's Cross, along the East Coast Main Line. Initially running High Speed Trains (HSTs), Class 180s joined the fleet in 2009. These continued to be the class in use after the HSTs were discontinued on the routes. With over 200 images, this book illustrates the wonderful landscapes of Grand Central's routes, the types of trains operated, including the iconic HSTs, and some rare behind-the-scenes locations not often seen by the public. It covers from the days of the early crew-training trains operated by heritage traction to the present day, including the foray into Blackpool, and looks at how the company's innovation and experience is shaping its future and the part it plays within the current railway landscape.

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The preserved heritage museum railways of Britain are thriving. Not only is there continuing nostalgia for the steam locomotives of a bygone era, but a growing number of diesel locos and multiple units, both in use and under restoration on site, make the different lines ever more attractive to the modern enthusiast. This book contains a multitude of information to help the reader find and enjoy these lines, including maps, mileages (miles and chains), gradient profiles and tables of locomotives and multiple units. Details of steam locomotives are covered, together with the often-overlooked ex-industrial steam and diesel locomotives. The information provided here also includes the statuses and current liveries of rolling stock at each of the featured railways, as well as details of future plans for expansion and refreshment facilities. Lavishly illustrated with colour photographs showing some of the best locations for lineside and station photography, this book is a vital guidebook for anyone looking to explore Britain's preserved railways.

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For months, The Few' had defended Britain against the might of the Luftwaffe. Then, on 7 September 1940, everything changed. Instead of targeting airfields, the German bombers turned their attention to London. The Blitz had begun. For two months, London was systemically attacked in one of the most sustained aerial bombing campaigns in history. The onslaught soon spread to other cities, including Liverpool, Bristol, Cardiff, Hull, Birmingham and Belfast, causing widespread destruction. In the face of this extreme devastation and heartbreak, however, came stories of survival, heroism and courage from the people of Britain. With sections examining life in the shelters, Britain's air raid defences and bomb disposal, citizen heroics and the rise of crimes such as looting, this book takes a look back at the Luftwaffe's unsuccessful attempt to break the British spirit and shares what life was really like during the Blitz.

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This definitive history of the Pathfinders and the role they played in World War Two takes an in-depth look at the elite unit, from its initial inception, and less than spectacular start, to its development as a precision instrument that transformed bomber operations. The aircraft, technology and weapons used are covered in full, as are the characters involved with the unit. The author also details the training and techniques deployed, in particular the emergence of the Master Bomber and Long-Stop systems. Finally, the Pathfinder Force's contribution to victory is assessed. This comprehensive look at one of the war's most fascinating units will give the reader a greater understanding of the unit's vital contribution to the war and show how some of the techniques developed are still in use today.

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In August 1961, Iranian Airways and Persian Air Services merged to form United Iranian Airlines. A few months later, however, Iran National Airline Corporation was formed by order of the Iranian government, and the new airline took over operations from United Iranian Airlines. When the airline entered the jet age, a few Boeing 727s were leased, which operated on routes to most major cities in Europe as well as the Persian Gulf region. Later, Boeing 737s for domestic flights and Boeing 707s for semi-long-haul flights were purchased, followed by Boeing 747s and 747SPs for the non-stop Tehran-New York route. The Shah of Iran also ordered the French Concorde, an order which was cancelled immediately after the Revolution. As a result of the Revolution and the Iran-Iraq war, domestic and international passenger numbers went down. At the end of the war with Iraq, the Iranian government decided to end the monopoly status of Iran. Fully illustrated with over 140 images, this book tells the story of Iran's national carrier from its earliest years to the present day.

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As the climate changes it is even more vital to protect the world's forests. They provide both the lungs' of the world and the natural resources for many industries. This book looks at both the past and the current selection of fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and support aircraft tasked with protecting our natural environment from fire. Covering America, Canada, Russia, southern Europe and other nation states, the operators of these fleets - governments and private contractors - are looked at, along with their aircraft, as they go about the dangerous task of protecting the world's forests. With over 230 images, this book covers all the aircraft types used in the water bomber role - World War Two fighters and bombers, piston-powered airliners and cargo aircraft of the 1950s, turboprop aircraft, wide-body jets, as well as the custom-built water bombers and, finally, both large and small helicopters with tanks or under-slung loads.

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Loved by most associated personnel and enthusiasts alike, the C-141 Starlifter, quite simply, looked right and was right. During the second half of the 1960s, it quickly became a commonplace visitor worldwide, and it was in service for more than forty years before the final examples were retired in favour of more capable airlifters. Such was its popularity that many crews left their heart aboard the silent airframe when they walked away for the last time. Containing over 170 images, many previously unseen, and detailed information supplied by the people who flew, maintained, and supported the C-141, this book looks at the aircraft itself, as well as the organisations that flew it. A host of names and extra markings are shown, including the graffiti briefly applied during the Rodeo competitions. Details of every unit that flew the Starlifter are also included, making it an invaluable addition to the book collections of both enthusiasts and modellers.

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The West Coast Main Line, which runs from London Euston to Glasgow Central with branches to Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool, has historically been Britain's most important trunk route, giving it a rich and interesting history, not just in terms of motive power and rolling stock, but also when considering the politics of its construction and operation. This book gives a flavour of the many varieties of locomotives and other rolling stock that have operated over the West Coast Main Line, including details of its creation and operation. Utilising maps and drawings, useful information on line speeds and gradients is also provided. With over 110 images, this volume gives an all-encompassing history of locomotive haulage on the West Coast Main Line.

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The US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) rapidly expanded its presence in the 1980s, as it became the most dangerous decade of the Cold War. Most controversially, a new generation of intermediate-range nuclear weapons was deployed by both sides. As tensions between the East and West escalated, a new generation of aircraft arrived at bases across Western Europe - state of the art F-15 Eagle air superiority fighters were followed by the A 10 tank busters and the multi-role F-16 Fighting Falcons. Illustrated with over 180 images, this book examines the aircraft and bases of the USAFE during the 1980s. It also describes the vital support provided by other arms of the USAF, including Military Airlift Command's transport and tanker fleet. The part played by Strategic Air Command's iconic SR-71s, U-2s, and giant B-52 bombers is outlined, as is the role of Tactical Air Command, which would have rapidly reinforced USAFE in time of war.

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Advances in aerodynamics and jet engine technology after World War Two led to the RAF Air Staff producing an Operating Requirement (OR229) for a bomber that could use these new technologies. To meet this requirement, the Avro Initial Projects team adopted a Delta wing design. This was a major change in aircraft design, as little was known about the Delta wing. The design of the Delta wing Vulcan was a major gamble by all concerned. However, it proved an incredibly valuable asset, especially during the Cold War. It was used in both high- and low-level roles and performed some of the longest bombing and anti-radar missions by the RAF during the Falklands War in 1982. After serving over three decades with the RAF, the Vulcan was retired in1984, but it continued display flying with the Vulcan to the Sky Trust until 2015, delighting the public with its noise and manoeuvrability. Fully illustrated with over 150 images, this book explores the history of the Vulcan, from concept to manufacture to service, providing insight from those who developed, designed, and flew it.

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North Korea is often referred to as the 'Hermit Kingdom' and not without reason. However, although tourism to this secretive country is rare, it does happen, albeit with limited numbers. In 2016, North Korea hosted its first ever airshow and invited a number of foreign visitors to watch. Unlike most airshows, this was not an international event, and all participants were from North Korea. There were a selection of aged Soviet-era airliners from the national flag carrier Air Koryo and fighters, helicopters and light transport aircraft from the air force. None of the military aircraft are ever seen outside North Korea's borders, and even the airline only operates limited international services, making the opportunity to see them in action, and photograph them, a once in a lifetime event. This volume is the personal account of a rare visit to one of the most isolated counties in the world. Not only does the book give a fully illustrated look at North Korea's aircraft, both military and civilian, but it then goes on to give a pictorial look at the country itself from a tourist's point of view.

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