![Harrier: The World's First V/STOL Jet Combat Aircraft](/mobify/caching/assets/product-image/large/9781781559123.jpg)
Harrier: The World's First V/STOL Jet Combat Aircraft
By
Philip Birtles (Author)
Hardback
PRE-ORDER released 19 September 2024
Quantity
Description
Harrier tells the story of the unique development of a practical V/STOL combat concept, from its first out-rigger constrained hover to a very versatile ground attack aircraft, which could deliver multiple precision weapons in close support of ground troops, as well as air defence of naval assets. When first flown, the aircraft could barely carry enough fuel for more than a few minutes of hovering, but with the later US Marine Corps AV-8B Plus and RAF GR.9s, it could deliver over two tons of ordnance with great accuracy, day and night, in all weathers. The story of this aircraft, which brought a whole new concept to air combat, covers the development of the V/STOL system into a practical asset, as well as its operational service in regional conflicts with both the USMC and RAF in Europe and the Middle East. It was also the Allied key aircraft in the Falklands Campaign with both RAF Harriers and FAA Sea Harriers. Harriers also served with the Indian, Spanish, and Italian navies. The book is illustrated with many previously unpublished colour and black & white photos from the author's collection. 152 black & white, 269 colour illustrations
About the Author
Philip Birtles joined the de Havilland Aeronautical Technical School in 1957 as an engineering apprentice and worked as PA to John Cunningham, Second World War night fighter ace and chief test pilot. He went into marketing for aircraft and later weapons systems, followed by being appointed senior contracts executive on BAe.146 customer deliveries until Hatfield Aerodrome closed in 1993. Birtles wrote the first of some fifty books on aerospace subjects in 1980 and has been involved with the de Havilland Aircraft Museum as a volunteer for around fifty years.
More Details
- Contributor: Philip Birtles
- Imprint: Fonthill Media Ltd
- ISBN13: 9781781559123
- Number of Pages: 352
- Packaged Dimensions: 172x248x27mm
- Packaged Weight: 1022
- Format: Hardback
- Publisher: Fonthill Media Ltd
- Release Date: 2024-09-19
- Binding: Hardback
- Biography: Philip Birtles joined the de Havilland Aeronautical Technical School in 1957 as an engineering apprentice and worked as PA to John Cunningham, Second World War night fighter ace and chief test pilot. He went into marketing for aircraft and later weapons systems, followed by being appointed senior contracts executive on BAe.146 customer deliveries until Hatfield Aerodrome closed in 1993. Birtles wrote the first of some fifty books on aerospace subjects in 1980 and has been involved with the de Havilland Aircraft Museum as a volunteer for around fifty years.
Delivery Options
Home Delivery
Store Delivery
Free Returns
We hope you are delighted with everything you buy from us. However, if you are not, we will refund or replace your order up to 30 days after purchase. Terms and exclusions apply; find out more from our Returns and Refunds Policy.