| RAF Air-To-Air Refuelling: A Pictorial History Contributor(s): Wilson, Keith (Author) |
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ISBN: 1445666049 ISBN-13: 9781445666044 Publisher: Amberley Publishing OUR PRICE: $24.26 Product Type: Paperback Published: April 2019 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Transportation | Aviation - History |
| Physical Information: 0.4" H x 6.4" W x 9.1" (0.80 lbs) 128 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: 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. |
Contributor Bio(s): Wilson, Keith: - Keith Wilson has been involved in aviation publishing for more than 30 years and is probably best known for his striking air-to-air images in Pilot magazine. He has more than 1,500 air-to-air sorties under his belt, shooting almost 2,000 different aircraft in the process. He has photographed a very broad range of subjects, from gliders, vintage and veteran, aerobatics and general aviation right through high-altitude research aircraft, biz jets, commercial jets and military fast jets. During this time he has amassed a photographic library of around 300,000 images. He has worked for a number of well-known aviation companies across Europe and flying is also his hobby. He obtained a Private Pilots Licence back in 1981 and continues to fly at every opportunity. |