Bombers (since 1945): books - Royal Air Force (RAF)

British Jet Bombers Since 1949 (British Secret Projects 2)

Many bomber projects were drawn by British aircraft manufacturing companies in times of potential or actual combat. While names such as Canberra, Vulcan, Victor, TSR2, Harrier and Tornado are known to many as 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-have-beens' ripe for coverage.

The author has researched extensively with particular emphasis on the design and development work that took place within various tender design competitions.
Many little-known projects are included that help to illustrate the way British bomber development changed against a backdrop of political upheaval, shrinking defence expenditure and technological advancement including supersonic flight, nuclear weapons and VTOL).

The story which starts with Britain's quest for a jet-powered Mosquito replacement concludes with reference to the next leap forward: FOAS, an unarmed bomber flown by pilots on the ground.
Accompanied by detailed appendices of all British post-war bomber projects and specifications, colour photographs and artwork.

Britain's Cold War Bombers

Explores the creation and development of the jet bomber, tracing the emergence of the first jet designs (the Valiant and Vulcan) through to the first-generation jets, which entered service with the RAF and Fleet Air Arm.
Each aircraft type is examined, looking at how the design was created and how this translated into an operational aircraft.

The basic development and service history of each type is explained, with a narrative that links the linear appearance of each new design, leading to the present day and the latest generation of Typhoon aircraft.
Other aircraft types covered are the Canberra, Sperrin, Victor, Scimitar, Buccaneer, Nimrod, Phantom, Sea Harrier, Jaguar, Tornado GR1/4 and Typhoon.

RAF V-Force Operations Manual 1955-69

The term 'V bomber' was used for RAF aircraft (Vickers Valiant, Handley Page Victor and Avro Vulcan) during the 1950s and 1960s that comprised the UK's strategic nuclear strike force known officially as the V-Force.
The V-Force reached its peak in June 1964, with 50 Valiants, 70 Vulcans and 39 Victors in service. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, RAF V-Force bombers were brought to readiness on 15-minute notice with the aircraft armed and crews ready beside them.

The RAF's V-Force remained Britain's nuclear deterrent up 1969 when the strategic role was assumed by the Royal Navy with its Polaris nuclear submarines.
This book gives insights into the organisation, aircraft and weaponry of Britain's Cold War strategic nuclear strike force.

V Bombers : Vulcan, Valiant and Victor (Flight Craft)

Britain's desire to stay at the leading edge in the design and development of modern jet powered aircraft was born in the later stages of the Second World War.
The Royal Air Force sent requests to the leading aircraft manufactures for a variety of specifications, amongst which was one for a long-range heavy bomber.
Three designs were accepted and eventually went into production - these became the V-Bomber Force. The Vickers Valiant, Vulcan and Victor saw prolific and varied service during the course of their careers.

This book contains fabulous colour profiles (created by Dave Windle) of all three types in different operational modes, configurations and colour schemes. Martin Bowman has written detailed descriptions and photographs to create the perfect enthusiasts reference.
This enhanced and revised edition (the book was initially published in 2009) comes complete with model-making content as well as a host of brand new design features, making for a lively new addition to the esteemed Flight Craft series.

British Bombers of the 1970s and '80s

The mainstays of the RAF's bomber force in the 1970s and 1980s were the distinctive Avro Vulcan and the rugged Blackburn Buccaneer, and both aircraft were very well regarded by those who flew or worked on them.
The Buccaneer, or 'Brick' as it was fondly known, came into service in 1962 and flew with just five RAF and six RN squadrons before being retired in 1994.
The Vulcan, or 'Tin Triangle', came into service in 1956 and was retired after the Falklands War in 1982 having flown operationally with nine RAF squadrons.

Illustrated with 180 photographs, this book, the second of a number of books of photographs covering British combat aircraft of the 1970s and 1980s, looks at the much-loved Buccaneer and Vulcan and the part they played in the latter stages of the Cold War.