RAF Air-to-Air Refuelling: A Pictorial HistoryAuthor :
Paperback
Published : Monday 15 April 2019
You may also like ...
by
Hardback
30 Jul 2018
>>
€29.25
Extended stock – Dispatch 5-7 days
by
Paperback
15 Apr 2019
>>
€19.88
Extended stock – Dispatch 5-7 days
by
Hardback
01 May 2015
>>
€40.95
Extended stock – Dispatch 5-7 days
by
Hardback
03 Aug 2015
>>
€40.95
Extended stock – Dispatch 5-7 days
Description
A photographic look at the history and development of the difficult and delicate process of in-flight refuelling.
Once man had mastered the ability to fly, there came the desire to fly faster, higher and further with increased payloads. Some of the earliest experiments with air-to-air refuelling occurred in the 1920s and as long-distance record attempts progressed, Alan Cobham was in the thick of it. Cobham would later revolutionise air-to-air refuelling, initially with the 'Grapple-line looped-hose' system, along with the formation of Flight Refuelling Limited (FRL). By the 1930s, the emphasis was on transatlantic flights - especially by providing a faster postal service between Europe and the USA. With the advent of the Cold War, the need for air-to-air refuelling became a clear military requirement. When Boeing announced the Model 367-80, the USAF saw a unique opportunity and placed large orders for the KC-135A version. Meanwhile, the RAF also saw the necessity for tanker aircraft to support its new V-bomber force. Initially, surplus Valiant bombers were converted and later Vulcan and Victor aircraft too. Today, air-to-air refuelling is an essential part of modern warfare, providing both strategic and tactical tanking capabilities. This book is profusely illustrated with images from a variety of sources including the Air Historical Branch and the author's own extensive collection - many of which have never previously been published - and all are supported with a concise but informative text.
Reviews