Hunters

Ref: 5392

SOLD In stock

Price: £9.50

sadly, flyingbooks is now closed.

{detailed description}A fitting tribute to one of the world's greatest aircraft, Hunters is illustrated with over two hundred dramatic, rare and previously unpublished colour images. It covers the complete history of this superb aircraft in RAF service from design and development to the glory days and the unforgettable aerobatic displays with the Black Knights, Black Arrows and Blue Diamonds. Hunter pilots vividly recall operations in Europe with Fighter Command and 2nd TAF, in Cyprus, the Middle East and the Far East, where Hunters in the ground- attack role operated against rebels in Aden and Malaysia respectively. Designed by Sir Sydney Camm, the genius behind the Hurricane, work on the Hunter commenced late in 1948, but because of the depressed post-war economic situation in Britain it was not until early 1950 that Hunter prototypes were constructed. Neville Duke made the first flight on 20th July 1951 and on 19 September 1953 he used a Hunter to shatter the world speed record. The Hunter's success was thus assured. For fifty years its longevity and adaptability was rarely challenged, the last example finally being retired in July 2001.

'If ever there was a real pilot's aeroplane it was the Hunter; an outstanding multi-purpose combat aircraft, it excelled in the roles of interceptor fighter, ground attack, reconnaissance, research vehicle and two-seater trainer, not forgetting the dramatic formation aerobatic performances. For three decades pilots have enthused about the beautiful Hunter with its smooth aerodynamic lines, 4 x 30 mm cannon, the Rolls-Royce Avon engine, outstandingly honest handling characteristics combined with a lively performance. It was undoubtedly a classic thoroughbred of its time from the stables of one of the finest fighter manufacturers in the world.'
Bill Bedford, Hawker Test Pilot

{Author / Publisher / Date}by Martin W. Bowman
published by Sutton 2002 1st edn. 152pp profusely illustrated with colour photographs, index 25x25
{condition}small indentaion at bottom edge of rear board, otherwise fine, inc. d/j
{delivery info}