British Military Jets

The end of the 2nd World War provided little respite for the air forces, and aircraft industries of the major powers: both sides would expend vast amounts on research and development in an effort to gain an edge. For the Royal Air Force this meant employing the latest jet aircraft technology, and for the British aircraft industry it meant rising to the challenge of producing suitable aircraft quickly. Both men and machines had to adapt to changing circumstances: many tactical, most financial. This book studies the RAF's British made combat jet aircraft of this turbulent and frightening period, up to the cancellation of TSR-2 and the end of the British aircraft industry as it then was. The great names: Hunter, Vulcan, Lightning, Harrier, are considered alongside less well known types, and in the context of their foes. The stories of each key aircraft are told from development to combat and the author considers their effectiveness, and their popularity, or otherwise, with the men who serviced and flew them.