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by James Jackson.
Hardback (8.5×12.0 inches). 400 pages. 2025.
This nice, big compilation of British aircraft takes readers into the design and development of aircraft from propeller to jets. Each chapter is generally a type of aircraft: strike, interceptor, and so on. You’ll also find chapters on helicopters, missiles, radar, and anti-submarine warfare.
Most aircraft are conventional, but the development of Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) as well as some less than conventional undercarriage-less planes are quite interesting.
The latter would be paired with a flexible deck for landings. The idea was to save weight and extend range or increase bombload. After a few experimental prototypes, the idea was put to rest. The former became a mainstay of the British armed forces and came with the development of angled aircraft carrier flight decks and jump ramps.
As for the Sea Harrier, the British experimented with a frigate that had skyhooks — cranes that would swing a Harrier over the side and wait for the VTOL to hover away. When the mission ended, the Sea Harrier would return, hover, and link up with the crane and its hook. The jet could even be refueled while hovering. Alas, it was deemed impractical and the project abandoned (p287).
I tended to skip around as soon as the spec-heavy text rolled in, but rest assured those that revel in such will be pleased as planes went through upgrades and variations.
Government indecision about programs, orders, cancellations, restarts, and further cancellations tend to give me an overall impression of confusion. Much had to do with cost-cutting as the post-WWII years rolled along deep into the Cold War.
The book contains 200 color photos, 186 black and white photos, 160 black and white illustrations, and eight color illustrations.
It’s quite comprehensive and filled with imagery and specifications.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
