British Combat Aircraft in Action Since 1945

At the end of World War 2, Britain's airmen might have been forgiven for thinking that their fighting days were over. However, it was not to be. Since 1945 British forces have been involved in more than 20 of the 100-plus major conflicts in over 65 countries, with British combat aircraft employed in many more. British Combat Aircraft in Action since 1945 surveys those campaigns in which the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm conducted operations. Among them are the contrasting but equally demanding campaigns in Palestine, Malaya and Borneo, Korea, Suez, Aden, Kenya and the Falkland Islands.
It is said that fighting improves the breed, and it certainly improves the export potential. With the worldwide service of British combat aircraft in mind, David Oliver also considers the operations and performance of some notable British types, and then compares the British experience with that of overseas air arms. Thus, for example, he describes the universal success of the Canberra, while noting that many UK-designed aircraft could have been even more effective in their roles if better equipped —RAF Hunters armed with AIM-9 Sidewinders being one possibility.
Complementing this balanced study is a fine selection of photographs, resulting in an informative book that should appeal to all aviation enthusiasts.


by David Oliver
Published by Ian Allan 1987 1st edition. 144pp profusely illustrated with b&w photos, maps, illustrated end papers 18x24 near mint, inc. d/j.






Note:
"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "new edition" "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.