Flying Flatiron, Gloster Javelin

Author: Alex Crawford
Publisher:
ISBN: 9788366549388
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

Book Description
The Flying Flat Iron and the Harmonious Dragmaster were just two names given to the Gloster Javelin. Designed from the outset as an all-weather day and night two seat fighter, its aim was to take on the large formations of Russian bombers that everyone thought would herald the start of WWIII. This 15 ton behemoth was the first delta wing aircraft to enter RAF service. It was also the first RAF fighter to be armed with 4 de Havilland Firestreak air to air missiles, and the last aircraft to bear the Gloster name. Constant changes in the specification and design, plus cut backs in the number of prototypes built caused numerous delays. The Javelin entered service in early 1956 and served as a front line fighter for the next 13 years. Flying in Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East, the Javelin defended the dwindling British Empire. It never met the enemy it was designed for. Instead it ended its days flying low over the Borneo and Malaya jungle searching for insurgents, but it soldiered on and performed all the tasks that was asked of it.

Gloster Javelin

Author: Michael Napier
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1473848822
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 287

Book Description
The RAFs only delta-winged fighter the Gloster Javelin was also Britains first true All-Weather Fighter. Based in the UK and in Germany, the RAFs Javelin squadrons formed the front line of Britains air defences in the late 1950s and early 1960s. During this time Javelin crews pioneered the operational use of guided missiles and air-to-air refuelling by fighter aircraft. In the Far East, Javelins were involved in operations during the Indonesian Confrontation and the aircraft was also deployed to Zambia during the Rhodesian UDI Crisis. In this history, which is richly illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs, Michael Napier blends official records with personal accounts to describe the operational history of this iconic jet fighter.

History Of The Gloster Javelin

Author: Ian Smith Watson
Publisher: Fonthill Media
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 393

Book Description

Javelin from the Cockpit

Author: Peter Caygill
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1781599408
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 321

Book Description
An in-depth history of this RAF twin-engined interceptor, including firsthand accounts from those who flew it. The Gloster Javelin was designed to be a night/all-weather fighter. First introduced into RAF service in 1956 and retired in 1967, it was a large two-man, twin-engined and delta-winged aircraft. Although the Javelin was extremely rugged in construction, pilots were banned from spinning as test flights had proved it impossible to recover. During its service, nine different marks were introduced. At first it was armed with four wing-mounted cannon, but as technology advanced, air-to-air missiles replaced them. In its role as a night/all-weather fighter it bristled with Britain’s latest radar and interception devices. This book includes development history, the different marks and their subtleties, radar and weapon capabilities, accidents and incidents—and many firsthand aircrew experiences of the type.

The Royal Air Force

Author: Michael Napier
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 147282539X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 342

Book Description
A fully illustrated history of the Royal Air Force while on operations, publishing to mark the centenary of its foundation in World War I. The world's first independent air force, the Royal Air Force celebrates its centenary in 2018. In the 100 years since the end of World War I, the service has been involved in almost continuous operations around the globe, giving the RAF the longest and most wide-ranging history of any air force in the world. But over the years this history has also become entangled with myths. The Royal Air Force: A Centenary of Operations sets the record straight, dispelling these as it uncovers – in both words and photographs – the true exploits and accomplishments of RAF personnel over the last 100 years. From its formation as an independent service in the dying days of World War I, its desperate fight against the Axis air forces in World War II, to its commitments during both the Cold War and modern times, this is the complete story of how the RAF has defended Britain for a century.

Allied Armored Fighting Vehicles

Author: George Bradford
Publisher: Stackpole Books
ISBN: 0811740048
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 121

Book Description
Filled with 1:72-scale drawings of armored vehicles from the U.S., Britain, Canada, and Russia.

Dragon's Wings

Author: Andreas Rupprecht
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781906537364
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
As China continues its rise as a world power, there is growing interest in its military aviation. Very little has been published in the past on the subject because of the difficulty of obtaining information, but aviation authors Tony Buttler and Andreas Rupprecht have been researching this subject together for a number of years, both from the perspective of their interest in the Chinese aircraft and also through an interest in Chinese secret aviation projects. They have now amassed enough material to put together a book on Chinese fighter and bomber aircraft development since Mao’s Communist Party took control of the country in 1949. The book examines the design and development of the country’s major military combat aircraft (fighters, bombers, attack aircraft, antisubmarine) since the industry became established after the Second World War, plus a good number of design proposals which, for whatever reason, were rejected or abandoned. The text is supplemented with photographs, line drawings, and color artwork of the aircraft.

Harrier 809

Author: Rowland White
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1473566630
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 461

Book Description
'Utterly brilliant: a fantastically exciting book... This really does read like the best kind of thriller. His best book yet' James Holland, author of Normandy '44 April 1982. Argentina invades the Falkland Islands. In response, Britain despatches a naval task force. Eight thousand miles from home, its fate hinges on just twenty Sea Harriers against the two hundred-strong might of the Argentine Air Force. The odds against them are overwhelming. The MoD's own estimates suggest that half the Harriers will be lost in the opening days of the conflict. They need backup. Within three weeks 809 Naval Air Squadron is reformed, trained and heading south, ready for war. Not since World War Two had so much been expected of such a small band of pilots.

Wings of the Navy

Author: Eric 'Winkle' Brown
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781902109329
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
"Carrier aircraft, since their beginning, have been a very special kind of machine and demand something equally special of a pilot. Being catapulted over a plunging bow, finding a lone ship at night in thousands of miles of empty ocean, and landing on the pitching, bucking deck of an aircraft carrier, is the routine of a naval pilot. Both shipboard aircraft, and their aircrew, need to be something exceptional. ... Through one of the most extraordinary careers in flying, Eric Brown tested and recorded the flying characteristics of an unparalleled range of naval aircraft ..."--Back cover.

Hawker Hart Family

Author: Alex Crawford
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 9788389450623
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Development and service history of Hart Family aircraft including: Hart, Demon, Osprey, Audax, Hardy, Hind, Hector. One of the most important and successful aircraft in the inter-war period, the Hawker Hart family of biplanes was used extensively across the whole British Empire from India to Afghanistan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, in almost every imaginable role. 'Hawker Hart Family' provides comprehensive coverage of the origin and development of every version, with service and operational details, as well as previously unpublished photographs, and images from official archives and private collections around the world. Specially-commissioned scale line drawings and color profiles PLUS an extensive set of exclusive color walk-round photographs, full color notes, a survivors list and historical pilots notes and a modern test-pilot’s view.