British Secret Projects Jet Bombers Since 1949

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{detailed description}BRITISH SECRET PROJECTS
This book, a natural companion to the author's earlier British Secret Projects: Jet Fighters Since 1950, chronicles the design and development of the British bomber since the end of World War Two. The subtitle date, 1949, refers to the first flight of the Canberra, Britain's first jet bomber, but the studies that led to Canberra and other famous designs were already under way even before hostilities ceased.
That one war was replaced by another -the Cold War - accounts for the fact that, like fighters, many bomber projects were drawn by the British aircraft manufacturing companies over the last 50-plus years. While names such as Canberra, Vulcan, Victor, TSR.2, Harrier and Tornado are known to many because they made it into the skies, the fact that so many other projects from different companies remained on the drawing board provides a rich diversity of 'might-havebeens' ripe for coverage.
As with British Secret Projects: Jet Fighters Since 1950, the author has researched extensively and made full use of previously unpublished primary source material, much of it only recently declassified. Particular emphasis is placed on the design and development work that took place within the context of various tender design competitions. Many little-known projects are included that help to illustrate the way British Bomber development changed against a backdrop of rapid technological advancement (supersonic flight, nuclear weapons, VTOL, variable geometry), political upheaval and shrinking defence expenditure. The story, which starts with Britain's quest for a jet-powered 'Mosquito Replacement', concludes with reference to the next great leap forward: FOAS, an unmanned bomber flown by 'pilots' on the ground.
Fifteen chapters are complemented by appendices that list all the post-war British bomber projects and specifications. There is also an Index and a colour section that includes specially commissioned renditions of 'might-have-been' projects in contemporary colour schemes, plus 162 b/w photographs and 170 line drawings.
{Author / Publisher / Date}by Tony Buttler
published by Midland Publishing 2003 1st edn. 224pp profusely illustrated, index, appendices. 22x29
{condition}fine in fine d/j.
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