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Valiant Units of the Cold War
Series: Combat Aircraft
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Format: Paperback / softback
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See moreA detailed, illustrated history of the Valiant, the first V-bomber to see combat when it dropped bombs on Egyptian airfields at the very start of the Suez campaign in October 1956.
A detailed, illustrated history of the Valiant, the first V-bomber to see combat when it dropped bombs on Egyptian airfields at the very start of the Suez campaign in October 1956.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Valiant Units of the Cold War by Andrew Brookes delves into the fascinating history of the RAF's first Cold War strategic bomber, the Vickers Valiant. Procured as a precautionary measure in case of potential flaws with either the Vulcan or Victor, the Valiant played a pivotal role in British military aviation.
The Valiant, akin to the US B-47 Stratojet, blazed a trail for the British airborne nuclear deterrent and had a far more active service career than later V-bombers. It was instrumental as the launch platform for all British free fall nuclear weapons tests, conducted both in the Pacific and central Australia. Additionally, it participated in the Suez campaign in 1956 and was the only V-bomber to deploy conventional weapons in conflict until the Falklands operation in 1982.
Adaptations of the Valiant allowed it to serve various roles, including electronic warfare, strategic reconnaissance, and as an airborne tanker. Unfortunately, in early 1965, the aircraft had to be grounded due to metal fatigue. This volume, featuring photographs throughout and detailed profile artwork, comprehensively explores the entire history of the Valiant aircraft.
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Valiant Units of the Cold War by Andrew Brookes is praised for its comprehensive coverage of the Valiant aircraft's achievements, detailing its design, development, and operational history, including nuclear testing and mission changes. The book is noted for its engaging storytelling, enriched with pilot and crew anecdotes, and features full-colour profiles of camouflage schemes and units. Reviewers recommend it for its detailed exploration of an often-overlooked aircraft, appealing to enthusiasts of strategic bombing history.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781849087537
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 20 August 2012
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Osprey Publishing
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Chris Davey
- Illustrated by Mr Chris Davey
Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 8.0mm
Width: 180.0mm
Height: 244.0mm
Weight: 350g
Pages: 96
About the Author
Andrew Brookes completed RAF pilot training after reading history at Leeds University. He served as a UK nuclear release officer in NATO and was the last operational RAF Commander at the Greenham Common cruise missile base. He was coordinator of air power studies at the RAF Advanced Staff College. He is now Aerospace Analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. He has written numerous aviation books and he received the Defence Aerospace Journalist of the Year Award in 2004 and 2006.
Chris Davey has illustrated more than 25 titles for Osprey’s Aircraft of the Aces, Combat Aircraft and Elite Units series since 1994. Based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, and one of the last traditional airbrush artists in the business, he has become the artist of choice for both USAAF fighters and RAF subject matter, proving his undoubted skill when dealing with large aircraft subjects such as the Halifax and Sunderland.
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