The adventures of some sixty pilots and ground crewmen who flew or worked on the Spitfire during the Second World War. The Spitfire was perhaps the most successful fighter design of all time. It remained at the forefront of its genre from the biplane era until well into the jet age, a period including the Second World War, which saw a faster rate of technological advance than in any comparable period in history. Yet the Spitfire was more than just a superb flying machine. During the war it carved a unique place in the psyche of the British people, and many believe it played a major part in saving the nation from defeat during the grim days of 1940. When Spitfire at War first appeared in 1974 it enjoyed critical acclaim as one of the first detailed accounts of a much-loved plane. It was followed by two further volumes, all three of which were hailed as classic works on the subject. In Spitfire: Pilot's Stories, Dr Alfred Price condensed his three acclaimed books into one, bringing the story together in the form of many pilots' memories and recollections of flying this iconic aircraft. This gripping collection of pilots' stories and evocative photographs reveals what it was like to fly the world's most famous aircraft, undoubtedly the finest fighter of the Second World War.

The rapid evolution of radio and radar systems for military use during World War II, and devices to counter them, led to a technological battle that neither the Axis nor the Allied powers could afford to lose. The result was a continual series of thrusts, parries, and counter-thrusts, as first one side then the other sought to wrest the initiative in the struggle to control the ether. This was a battle fought with strange-sounding weapons-"Freya," "Mandrel," "Boozer," and "Window"-and characterized by the bravery, self-sacrifice, and skill of those who took part in it. During the war, however, and for many years after, electronic-warfare systems and their employment during the conflict remained closely guarded military secrets. When that veil of secrecy was finally lifted, the technicalities of the subject helped ensure that it remained beyond the reach of many lay researchers and readers.Long regarded as a standard reference work, Instruments of Darkness has been expanded and completely revised.

The Supermarine Spitfire is probably the most famous fighter aircraft of all time. Its distinctive shape and sound mark it out from most other aircraft of the Second World War period. From the biplane era of the 1930s to the start of the jet age in 1944 the Spitfire, through continuous modification and development, remained at the forefront of fighter design and proved itself equal or superior to any of its competitors. During the same period, other variants of the Spitfire proved highly effective in the photographic reconnaissance role.

Alfred Price employs more than twenty accounts in words and pictures to provide a series of fascinating snapshots of the Spitfire and those who flew it. The author covers aspects of the aircraft's history as diverse as the 'Speed Spitfire', specially modified in 1938 for an attempt on the world landplane speed record; fighter ace 'Johnnie' Johnson's personal aircraft, EN398, the top scoring Spitfire; and the Spitfire reconnaissance missions flown over China early in the cold War.

Illustrated with more than 140 archive photographs and drawings, Spitfire in Combat will serve as an ideal primer for those whose interest in the Spitfire is just beginning. At the same time, it is sure to add to the knowledge of those who are already familiar with this classic aircraft.

The adventures of 60 pilots and ground crewmen who flew or worked on the Spitfire during World War II

A narrative description and condensed history of the Spitfire's construction, combat career, and postwar service tell all there is to know about the finest fighter of World War II. When the book "Spitfire at War" first appeared in 1974, it enjoyed critical acclaim, for the aircraft had never been described in such terms and detail before. It was followed by a second volume in 1985 and a third volume in 1990. All three volumes sold well and are hailed as classic works on the subject. These important works have been out of print for more than a decade, thereby denying them to the current breed of aviation buffs. The time has come to reissue the three books as a single volume, the author "cherry-picking" the choice cuts to produce the finest title on the mighty and beloved Spitfire.

This is one of the new Icon titles from Haynes. Originally published in the classic manual size, this compact format will appeal to trade outlets and gift markets. The legendary Supermarine Spitfire receives the famous Haynes manual treatment with the full co-operation and authorisation of the Royal Air Force. Here is a unique perspective on what it takes to own, restore and operate a Spitfire, as well as an insight into the engineering and construction of this remarkable fighter aircraft. This highly detailed book is based around the Spitfire Mk IX at RAF Coningsby.

Dogfight tells the story of some of the most incredible air battles of modern warfare. Alfred Price's action-packed accounts place you in the cockpit, offering a rare insight into what it was like to face the enemy thousands of feet above the frontline. From operations over the fields of France during the First World War, through to accounts of the indomitable spirit of the RAF during the Battle of Britain, to the horrifying loss of life inflicted by Hitler's Blitzkrieg offensive, when more than 300 aircraft fell in air-to air combat during a single day of fighting; this book details the battles and the men who fought in them. The jet age is also heralded in by accounts of the air force's role in the Vietnam War and the Falkland. The role of reconnaissance aircraft in modern warfare is described alongside the precision of attacking pin-point targets during the Gulf War in Iraq. This book not only uncovers how the tactics of aerial warfare have changed through each major conflict of modern times, but also the dramatic narrative allows the reader to feel like they were there in the skies, flying alongside these incredible pilots.

The legendary Supermarine Spitfire receives the famous Haynes manual treatment with the full co-operation and authorization of the Royal Air Force. This is a unique guide for anyone wishing to own and operate a Spitfire, as well as a wonderful insight into the engineering and construction of this remarkable airplane; includes a developmental history of the aircraft, cutaway drawings, and the restoration and repair process . Presented mainly in color, this highly detailed and attractively designed manual is based around the restoration of the Spitfire Mk XVI at RAF Coningsby.