Technical

The world's first independent air force, the Royal Air Force celebrates its centenary in 2018. In the 100 years since the end of World War I, the service has been involved in almost continuous operations around the globe, giving the RAF the longest and most wide-ranging history of any air force in the world. But over the years this history has also become entangled with myths.

The legendary Supermarine Spitfire receives the famous Haynes Manual treatment with the full co-operation and authorisation of the Royal Air Force.

The development of high-performance vertical take-off aeroplanes has proved to be one of the landmarks of aviation history, showcasing the best of British design and innovation.

Developed from the underperforming twin-engined Manchester, the Avro Lancaster was the RAF's most successful heavy bomber of World War II, forming the backbone of Bomber Command during the large-scale night bombing campaign against occupied Europe. 

It was early Cold War days when 17-year-old David Eagles applied to the Fleet Air Arm hoping to be a fighter pilot for his national service. He little imagined the career that would follow.

Propliners of the World Part 2 by Gerry Manning

Part 2 Includes water bombers, cargo and South American operations.

Includes the water bombing Convair CV 580 and Lockheed P-2 Neptune through the cargo hauling Curtiss C-46, Douglas DC-4 and Russian-built Antonov AN-12 to South America’s enduring pleasure flight DC-3s and Antonov AN-32s.

Paperback

Covers 75 years of the Douglas DC-3 and its turboprop conversions through de Havilland Canada’s ageless pair of Beaver 18 and Twin Otter to classic aircraft such as the Douglas DC-7 and German-built Junkers Ju.52.

As early as 1943 it became apparent that supersonic flight might be an achievable goal – but not for the propeller-driven aircraft of the day. Spurred on by secret intelligence of a German supersonic long-range bomber project, work began on a British secret research aircraft that would potentially be the first manned aircraft to break through the ‘sound barrier’. 

Following World War II France made determined efforts to catch-up with other countries in developing high-performance aircraft and designed successful machines to fulfil the needs of the Armée de l’Air, the Marine Nationale and compete in export markets.