Story
7 total works
Acclaimed as the RAF's most famous formation aerobatic display team, the 'Reds' - as they are affectionately known - have attracted a truly international following. Here is the story of the Red Arrows, from their tentative beginnings as the Yellowjacks flying Folland Gnats in 1964, through the formation of the Red Arrows in 1965 to their conversion to the scarlet-painted BAe Hawks that they fly today.
The Hawker Hurricane won lasting fame in the service of the RAF during the Battle of Britain. Over 11,700 examples were eventually built of this versatile and deadly combat aircraft, fulfilling an incredible number of contrasting roles. Its design, development and production are described in detail, as are the Hurricane's widely varied operational roles during the Second World War, both at home and overseas. Full details are given of production figures, production variants, and operational service with all RAF and RN squadrons and units.
Probably the most famous fighter aircraft of all time, the Supermarine Spitfire reigned supreme and unsurpassed from the biplane era to the dawn of the jet age, a period that included the Second World War. Here is the incredible story of this legendary aircraft, from its genesis in the 1930s to its continued presence at airshows and museums today.
The 'Jump-jet' was the world's first vertical/short take-off and landing operational jet aircraft (VSTOL). Developed using the revolutionary Pegasus engine, the Harrier has served the RAF and US Marine Corps for well over 30 years. Here, vividly told, is the fascinating story from tentative hovering by the Hawker P1127 in 1960 to today's frontline Harrier GR9 and AV-8B warplanes. A naval version, the Sea Harrier, entered service with the Royal Navy in 1979. Alongside the RAF Harrier it saw action in the Falklands War in 1982. More recently, Harriers have seen combat over Kosovo, Bosnia and Iraq. In the USA, a license-built version (the AV8-A/B) equips the US Marine Corps and is in service today in Iraq. Harriers also equip air forces in Spain and Thailand.
Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Harris called the Lancaster the greatest single factor in winning the war . The Lancaster Story tells the tale of this aircraft from birth to its last operational flights with the RAF in 1956. The evocative Lancaster lives on with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, also covered here, and the book contains fascinating did you know facts with a complete listing of Lancaster milestones and surviving airframes. The DVD contains wartime footage, with more recent film of the BBMF City of Lincoln, the last of the line.
The RAF's mighty delta-wing Vulcan jet bomber is an enduring image of the Cold War era. A cornerstone of Britain's nuclear deterrent, it was later adapted for conventional bombing and saw its only active service in the Falklands War. Newly restored with the help of Heritage Lottery Funding, the last airworthy Vulcan B2 XH558 in many ways fills the gap left by Concorde's retirement.
Peter R March tells the amazing story of 'stealth', describing its origins in the U-2 and SR-71, and the subsequent development and operational service of the stealth fighter and bomber with the USAF. He also includes a whole host of useful stealth facts and figures, together with a list of stealth squadrons, and a guide to where you can see stealth aircraft in the USA - if you can! The book is illustrated in full colour with photographs from Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman archives, as well as private collections.