The Saab 37 Viggen is a Swedish single-engine, short-medium range combat aircraft. Development work on the type was initiated at Saab in 1952 and, following the selection of a radical delta wing configuration, the resulting aircraft performed its first flight on 8 February 1967 and Viggen entered service in 21 June 1971. In November 2005, the Viggen was retired from service by the Swedish Air Force, the only aircraft operator. Viggen was the first canard design produced in quantity. This book is the most comprehensive on the Viggen yet published in English, with numerous photographs of the aircraft in service, several of which have never been published before, walkaround photographs of the preserved aircraft, illustrations from contemporary manuals, and color artwork.
Internationally renown aviation artist and historian Richard J. Caruana provides a tribute to an often under-appreciated aviation legend, the Saab 37 Viggen, an aircraft that was ahead of its time on many fronts. Richard's book provides a brief history of the aircraft combined with an exceptional collection of over 56 color profiles showing schemes worn by Viggens operationally, as well as the special celebratory schemes that became so familiar towards the end of its career. Each profile is accompanied by a detailed caption and a brief operational history. A page of detailed scale drawings illustrates and explains the different versions of the Viggen and another page illustrates unit markings worn by the type as illustrated in the profiles of the book.
Using previously unpublished information, globally renowned expert Paul Crickmore builds upon his definitive account of the SR-71 Blackbird, In 1986 Paul Crickmore's first groundbreaking book about the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was published. At that time, the Cold War was at its height and the SR-71 was an integral element in securing crucial intelligence from all parts of the globe. The highly sensitive nature of its missions couldn't be compromised, and it wasn't until the end of the Cold War that the operational exploits of this incredible aeronautical masterpiece could be openly written about. As time passed has more and more information has come to light, with a vast number of official documents declassified and key military figures able to talk openly about the Blackbird programme. Paul Crickmore has used these updated facts to revise his previous history of one of the world's most iconic aircraft of all time, creating what will surely be considered the definitive, timeless volume about the SR-71 Blackbird.
Book covers Swedish Jets used by the Swedish Air Force. Camouflage and markings of the fighters are described in unparalleled detail by the well-known Swedish author Mikael Forslund. Many unpublished photos, and exclusive color profiles. SAAB J 21R J 28 Vampire SAAB J 29A Tunan SAAB J 32B Lansen De Havilland Venom Hawker Hunter Draken Viggen Grippen
Maltese aviation artist and historian Richard J. Caruana, who started his career just over 50 years ago, celebrates this special milestone with a work dedicated to his country's struggle for survival during the Second World War. Three air battles during that conflict were decided in the air and changed the course of history: the Battle of Britain, the Battle of Malta, and the Battle of Midway. This short narrative gives an outline of the Malta Battle's history which is then illustrated with close to 200 color profiles and other drawings. This book is a veritable successor to the author's best-selling Malta G.C. - Victory in the Air, published in 1996 which is now out of print.
The X-31 Enhanced Fighter Maneuverability Demonstrator was unique among experimental aircraft. A joint effort of the United States and Germany, the X-31 was the only X-plane to be designed, manufactured, and flight tested as an international collaboration. It was also the only X-plane to support two separate test programs conducted years apart, one administered largely by NASA and the other by the U.S. Navy, as well as the first X-plane ever to perform at the Paris Air Show. Flying Beyond the Stall begins by describing the government agencies and private-sector industries involved in the X-31 program, the genesis of the supermaneuverability concept and its initial design breakthroughs, design and fabrication of two test airframes, preparation for the X-31's first flight, and the first flights of Ship #1 and Ship #2. Subsequent chapters discuss envelope expansion, handling qualities (especially at high angles of attack), and flight with vectored thrust. The book then turns to the program's move to NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center and actual flight test data. Additional tasking, such as helmet-mounted display evaluations, handling quality studies, aerodynamic parameter estimation, and a "tailless" study are also discussed.The book describes how, in the aftermath of a disastrous accident with Ship #1 in 1995, Ship #2 was prepared for its outstanding participation in the Paris Air Show. The aircraft was then shipped back to Edwards AFB and put into storage until the late 1990s, when it was refurbished for participation in the U. S. Navy's VECTOR program. The book ends with a comprehensive discussion of lessons learned and includes an Appendix containing detailed information.
After a lifetime of flying, with experience ranging from novice airman to Director of Training and Standards and pilot examiner for a top name in aviation training organization, there's little Gene Fish hasn't seen. Ol' Shakey: Memories of a Flight Engineer shares some of the most memorable stories of Gene's career as a Flight Engineer flying in the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, nicknamed "Ol' Shakey" - an aircraft that had a habit of keeping the flight crews on their toes dealing with quirky malfunctions. From a colorful layover at Midway Island to kite-flying at Pope Air Force Base, to overspeeding propellers, Gene's stories will entertain military personnel, aviators and anyone who is enthusiastic about the romance of flying - and gives a glimpse of the reality behind that romance.
Nos 10 and 461 Squadrons of the RAAF were among the premier units of RAF Coastal Command in WWII, flying Sunderlands from UK harbours to patrol the eastern Atlantic hunting for U-boats. Crews from both units were involved in famous air combats against German fighters sent to intercept them, but persisted to achieve an impressive series of kills.