For 100 years, the world's oldest independent air force, the RAF, forged a distinguished record in military air operations from the First World War through to recent operations over Iraq and Syria. There is, however, a field of endeavour in which the Royal Air Force has excelled: selling its public image. Of the three armed services, the air force is the one perfectly placed to advertise its wares 'at home' with the facilities to accommodate large audiences, through scintillating flying displays with ever more impressive aircraft and large airfields with readily available facilities. Originally centred on the RAF station at Hendon in North London, the RAF held its first public 'Air Pageant' in 1920. A grand affair, it continued as an annual event until 1937 when it was succeeded by the widespread 'Empire Air Day' held at several RAF stations until war intervened in 1939. The RAF came to true military prominence during the Second World War, particularly the 'Battle of Britain'; this then became the focus of the celebration and commemoration. However, the Battle of Britain Displays constantly contracted, eventually to zero, but for much of their existence were the most impressive air shows around the globe.

Robert Mikesh takes the reader step by step through the process of aircraft restoration from the initial decision to prepare for an exhibit: Does it fit the museum's aims? How will it be displayed? Will it fly? And of course: Is it good value? Initial preparation before disassembly are noted and then the principal techniques in working with wood-and-fabric, and metal aircraft are discussed, using many interesting real examples. Types of propulsion, tires, colors and markings are covered systematically and the different requirements for indoor or outdoor exhibition are shown. This book is considered the authoritative reference to the wide and complex subject of aircraft preservation and restoration.

The famous and versatile World War II German seaplane.

This new book covers the 388th TFW; a Composite Wing based at Korat RTAFB, Thailand, consisting of fighters, Wild Weasel aircraft, airborne jamming aircraft and AWACS aircraft. The author flew 133 combat missions in Southeast Asia in 1972, and was assigned to the 469th TFS, one of the two F-4E squadrons of the 388th TFW. The book discusses in detail the Wing, the Squadrons and the aircraft they flew: the F-4. F-105G Wild Weasel, A-7D, EB-66, EC-121, and C-130. Also covered are the mission types, as well as operations of the Wing during the Linebacker Campaign over North Vietnam. Narratives of all the 388th MiG kills and aircraft losses during 1972 are included. The book contains over 170 color and black and white photographs taken by the author, as well as theatre maps. A selection of official and unofficial flight suit patches is also included. Don Logan is also the author of Rockwell B-1B: SACs Last Bomber, and Northrops T-38 Talon: A Pictorial History(both titles are available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).

A visual celebration of the wide and colorful variety of the world's light aircraft, old and new, organized from A to Z by manufacturer, this book illustrates more than 800 light aircraft types that are likely to be seen when visiting smaller airports and airfields across the globe. The text explains how each type relates to other models from the same manufacturer and describes the differences between sub-variants, giving the numbers built. For some types, an indication is also given as to how many are currently active. The aircraft fall into the following categories: mass production aircraft built in the thousands by major manufacturers such as Beechcraft, Cessna, De Havilland, and Piper; lesser-known but important production and homebuilt aircraft, typically built in reasonable numbers and likely to be seen at the local airfield; and finally, a selection of older aircraft that continue to be flown and cherished.

Range Unlimited covers the developmental history of aerial refueling, including the United States and other countries, as well as modern advancements and technologies. Also covered are the current aerial refueling model types and configurations used in the world today, as well as a look at what refueling techniques may be applied in the 21st century and beyond.

Howard Hughes, the movie mogul, aviation pioneer and political hound dog, has always fascinated the public with his mixture of secrecy, dashing lifestyle and reclusiveness. Companies responsible for major technological leaps often become household names. An exception is Howard Hughes's pioneering helicopter company, Hughes Helicopters, a name that has fallen into oblivion. Yet most schoolboys in the world have heard of the company's prize-winning product: the Apache helicopter. Hughes popularised the light helicopter trainer, mass-produced the first turbine-powered light observation helicopter, led the way in hot cycle rotorcraft propulsion research and, finally, developed the world's most advanced attack helicopter that was purchased and saw service with the UK. Here's how some of the world's most innovative helicopters were developed. Covering the period from the Second World War until the mid-1980s, you will learn why Hughes military aircraft contracts came under close scrutiny by the US government. The story is rich with tales of technological breakthrough and test-flying bravado made possible by a small crew of engineers and daring pilots. Written by a technical expert and insider to the industry, Howard's Whirlybirds: Howard Hughes' Amazing Pioneering Helicopter Exploits is a fascinating and alternative view on the phenomenal pioneer with unpublished photographs and material that will fascinate the aviation and military historian as well as the casual reader and cinema buff.

Flying Fox is a unique work in aviation literature combining the translation of a German pilot's classic autobiographical novel of flying in the First World War with a historical investigation that both illuminates and expands upon the original narrative. In 1933 the Koehler Verlag in Leipzig published Wir Flieger (We Flyers), by Otto Fuchs, who flew and fought in artillery observation and fighter squadrons in the Imperial German air service. The author presented the work as the recollections of an unknown pilot, changing names, unit designations, and airfield locations in order to protect the identities of the persons involved and to thwart inquiry. Adam Wait has not only provided a thoroughly annotated translation of Wir Flieger which retains the vividness of the author's original prose, but has also conducted meticulous research to uncover the true facts behind the story. His findings are related in a chapter-by-chapter commentary, supplemented by an epilogue continuing the story from the point in time at which the novel concludes to the end of the war. A further addition is a previously unpublished chapter of Wir Flieger excised by Koehler, as it did not conform to the heroic ideal of the time. Flying Fox is profusely illustrated with period and present-day photographs and maps that further bring this fascinating tale to life.

This riveting work of investigative reporting and history exposes classified government projects to build gravity-defying aircraft--which have an uncanny resemblance to flying saucers.

The atomic bomb was not the only project to occupy government scientists in the 1940s. Antigravity technology, originally spearheaded by scientists in Nazi Germany, was another high priority, one that still may be in effect today. Now for the first time, a reporter with an unprecedented access to key sources in the intelligence and military communities reveals suppressed evidence that tells the story of a quest for a discovery that could prove as powerful as the A-bomb.

The Hunt for Zero Point explores the scientific speculation that a "zero point" of gravity exists in the universe and can be replicated here on Earth. The pressure to be the first nation to harness gravity is immense, as it means having the ability to build military planes of unlimited speed and range, along with the most deadly weaponry the world has ever seen. The ideal shape for a gravity-defying vehicle happens to be a perfect disk, making antigravity tests a possible explanation for the numerous UFO sightings of the past 50 years.

Chronicling the origins of antigravity research in the world's most advanced research facility, which was operated by the Third Reich during World War II, The Hunt for Zero Point traces U.S. involvement in the project, beginning with the recruitment of former Nazi scientists after the war. Drawn from interviews with those involved with the research and who visited labs in Europe and the United States, The Hunt for Zero Point journeys to the heart of the twentieth century's most puzzling unexplained phenomena.


From the Hardcover edition.

While the heroic exploits of 'The Few' of Fighter Command are rightly lauded, those of 'The Many' of Bomber Command often remain overlooked. Night after night, the bomber crews ranged across Europe seeking out and attacking targets in an all-out effort to undermine the German war effort against Britain and prevent invasion. The Other Battle of Britain tells the stories of the young men who carried out dangerous missions on a nightly basis, battling against both the enemy and the elements, relying on a mix of nerve, skills and luck to hit their target and make it home. Faced with flak and fighters, exposed to the harsh weather conditions and operating at the edge of their capabilities, for the young men of Bomber Command, this was 'The Other Battle of Britain'.

Stephen Ambrose is the acknowledged dean of the historians of World War II in Europe. In three highly acclaimed, bestselling volumes, he has told the story of the bravery, steadfastness, and ingenuity of the ordinary young men, the citizen soldiers, who fought the enemy to a standstill -- the band of brothers who endured together.

The very young men who flew the B-24s over Germany in World War II against terrible odds were yet another exceptional band of brothers, and, in The Wild Blue, Ambrose recounts their extraordinary brand of heroism, skill, daring, and comradeship with the same vivid detail and affection. With his remarkable gift for bringing alive the action and tension of combat, Ambrose carries us along in the crowded, uncomfortable, and dangerous B-24s as their crews fought to the death through thick black smoke and deadly flak to reach their targets and destroy the German war machine.

Covers airfield vehicles, ordnance loading equipment, refueling equipment and a wide variety of apparatus used by the Luftwaffe.

This fully revised edition of The Concorde Story, is a complete history of Concorde, seen through the eyes of former Concorde pilot Christopher Orlebar. This new edition includes the after-story of the aircraft, including a list of where surviving Concorde Aircraft can be viewed around the world. Drawing on his own experience, the author reveals what it was like to be a Concorde pilot, and gives us a unique pilot's-eye-view of a typical transatlantic flight, including details of the training involved and life on the flight deck. It is from the privileged perspective of an insider that Christopher Orlebar describes Concorde's 'Grand Finale' and final flight to Filton, reflecting on the history and achievement of Concorde and those who worked on her.

Covers Hs 126, Bf 110, Me 262, Ju 88, Bf 109, Bv 141, Fw 189 and others.

The Lockheed P-80/F-80 Shooting Star was the first American operational jet fighter. David McLarens new book chronicles the development and early trials of the aircraft during Lockheeds groundbreaking attempts to create a viable jet fighter, in a period when jet propulsion was still an innovative unknown. This period also saw engineers and test pilots like Kelly Johnson and Tony LeVier facing many challenges, incidents and accidents as they attempted to create a new fighter from yet untested aerodynamic theories, and engines that were still under development. Also discussed are the record breaking transcontinental and absoulte speed records set by the Shooting Star. Detailed analysis of the Shooting Stars combat record in Korea shows why the F-80 flew more combat missions than any aircraft in the war theater. Also presented is a summation of all USAF, USAFR, and foreign countries that flew the P-80/F-80. David McLaren is also the author of Lockheed F-94 Starfire(with Marty Isham), and Beware the Thunderbolt!: The 56th Fighter Group in World War II (both titles are available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).

The legendary German fighter is shown here in all new photographs, and on a variety of war fronts. All early to late models are covered.

This book covers all of the various fighter aircraft designed and employed by Russian forces during the years 1920-1941.

A revolutionary commercial propeller transport, the Lockheed Constellation burst on the aviation scene in the early 1940s. Unheralded for the most part, due to wartime secrecy, it finally entered commercial service in 1946, and promptly set new standards for speed, range, reliability, and passenger comfort. The Connie, as it was affectionately known, pioneered new flight paths in many parts of the globe. Connies ultimately flew commercially for more than thirty years, and underwent countless modifications and upgrades during that time. They continued to be utilized by the military as well; in fact, Connies were involved in a number of endeavors that remain shrouded in secrecy to this day. This, then, is the story of a remarkable and distinctive airplane. It is also the story of the people who made the Constellation great, including aviation legends like Howard Hughes and Clarence "Kelly" Johnson. Most importantly, however, it is a story that sheds light on the dynamics of technology, politics, and society in the years 1940 to 1980. This revised edition contains an additional chapter on Constellations that are still flying today, as well as an additional appendix of the Constellation's operations manual.

The Arado Flugzeugwerke devoted twenty years to making aviation history in Potsdam-Babelsberg. Within the pages of this book the reader will find the first comprehensive history of Arado, including many previously unpublished details about this little-known aviation company.

Number 2 in the Luftwaffe Profile Series describes the design and use of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 G/K.

The registration letters painted on an aircraft's tail are like its number plate: they can reveal the story of an individual aircraft and its different roles during its working life. Inspired by this novel way of looking at aviation history, Guy Halford-MacLeod follows the chequered and multi-faceted careers of forty different airliners to present a compelling insight into the wider story of British aviation: larger-than-life characters, politics, the aircraft manufacturers, the state-owned corporations, the independent airlines, some unwilling buyers, a lot of coercion, big financial losses, cheap holiday charters and, inevitably, going bust - the full story of Britain's airlines and the aircraft they used. This heavily illustrated book delves into the tales of a fascinating selection of aircraft, including many of Britain's finest airliners now preserved at museums around the country, to present the development of Britain's airline industry.

Discover the enthralling story of how we took to the skies, in this journey through over 100 years of airborne innovation and adventure.

From the Wright brothers' first powered flight to Concorde's final voyage, Flight takes you sky-high, swooping you through world aviation history. Featuring spectacular photography of iconic aircraft, this book also recounts the feats of pioneers, trailblazers, and jet test pilots, and traces the technological developments so important to aviation's progress.

Memorable moments of aerial warfare and record-breaking flights are recalled alongside more than 250 profiles of innovative aircraft in this book packed with flight facts for the aviation enthusiast. The human experience of flying is documented too, and historical quotes give a glimpse into the thoughts and ambitions of key figures in flight history.

So board now and follow a journey full of achievement, adventure, and tragedy in Flight and see how our dream to fly became a reality.

In this new, fully updated edition 2020, expert author Francis Crosby traces the development of fighters from World War I to the present day, and highlights actions in which fighters played a crucial role. The A-Z sections form an illustrated guide to over 170 fighter aircraft. The first covers aircraft from the pioneering days of air fighting in World War I through to the early jets at the end of World War II, and the second focuses on the remarkable advances of post-World War II, mainly jet, aircraft from 1945 to the present day. Specification boxes for each aircraft provide information about the plane's country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weight and performance. Also included is a glossary explaining aviation terms. Illustrated with 600 photographs, this is a key reference book for all aircraft enthusiasts.