Alex Crawford

The Hawker Fury was the first RAF's fighter able to fly at a speed exceeding 200 mph in lever flight. This part one narrates the development and production of the Fury and the career of the Fury Mk. I in the RAF. This part includes also the full story of the Fury in South Africa, which fought against the Italians in East Africa in 1940-1941. The SAAF Furies were eventually withdrawn from use in 1943. New material has become available from South Africa giving today the most complete story on the Furies in the SAAF. This issue is illustrated with over 40 photos and 6 color profiles giving a new reference for the historians and modelers alike. Revised edition.

This book provides a comprehensive look at the Fairey Belvedere, the first British twin-rotor helicopter to enter operational service. It covers the aircraft’s development, technical specifications, service history, and operational use with the Royal Air Force. Richly illustrated with rare archival photographs, detailed technical drawings, and high-quality colour profiles, the book offers valuable insights into both the design and deployment of this unique helicopter. It is an excellent reference for aviation historians, enthusiasts, and scale modellers seeking accurate visual and historical information.

In late 1939, the Air Ministry were looking to replace the Blenheim as a medium bomber. Bristol Aircraft Company (BAC) initially came up with a bomber development of the Beaufighter, the Type 161. Due to specification changes and redesigns, the end result was the Type 163 Buckingham, a twin engined, twin tailed medium bomber. At the time of the Buckinghams conception inquiries were made about a torpedo bomber version. A redesign of the Buckingham brought about the Type 164 Brigand. The torpedo requirement was eventually dropped and the aircraft re-configures as a bomber. With no suitable trainers to train the Buckingham and Brigand pilots BAC came up with the Buckmaster, which was basically a Buckingham with a new nose section containing dual controls. By the time the Buckingham and Brigand entered service their roles had been superseded with newer and better aircraft. Most Buckinghams went straight into storage to await their fate, but some were converted in high speed courier aircraft with four seats. But it was too little too late. The Mosquito could do a better job at almost half the cost. The Brigand with its long range was earmarked for the Far East and the battle against Japan, but the war ended before they could be sent over. It was the Malaya Emergency that saved the Brigand. Carrying out a role for which it was never designed, that of a dive bomber, two Squadrons carried out over 3,500 against the Communist Terrorist. Had it not been for the constant delays and construction changes the aircraft may have lived up to their expectations. As it was they were plagued by mechanical and hydraulic issues as well as structural defects. After a number of catastrophic airframe failures the Brigands were retired from operational service in early 1953.

As the title suggests, this book is devoted to the nations that used the Meteor in anger. After WWII Europe’s air forces were keen to rebuild their air arms with jet aircraft. With little to choose from the Meteor was the prime candidate and hundreds were sold over the following years. Further afield in the Middle East, Meteors were sold to Egypt, Israel and Syria. In far off South America, Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador purchased the aircraft. On the other side of the World, South Africa and Australia operated them as well. Several of these nations used their Meteors operationally in open conflicts. From the RAF’s struggle against the V-1 menace to the various hot spots around the dwindling Empire from Aden to Malaya. The Suez Crisis of 1956 would see Meteors from the RAF, Egypt, Israel and Syria all operating in the same conflict. During the Korean War (1950-53) the Royal Australian Air Force carried out thousands of ground attack missions and even engaged the MiG-15 in air to air combat. During a number of internal revolutions in Argentina in 1956, both sides operated the Meteor. Even France operated a handful of Meteor night fighters during their troubles in Algeria in 1957. Although it did not achieve a large amount of victories, the Meteor played an important part in the emerging air forces of a forever changing post-WWII World. Essential reading for aviation enthusiasts & scale aeromodellers.

The Flying Flatiron' was the nickname given to the Gloster Javelin. Designed from the outset as an all-weather day and night two-seat fighter, its aim was to take on the large formations of Russian bombers that everyone thought would herald the start of WWIII. This 15-ton behemoth was the first delta wing aircraft to enter RAF service. It was also the first RAF fighter to be armed with 4 de Havilland Firestreak air-to-air missiles, and the last aircraft to bear the Gloster name. Constant changes in the specification and design, plus cut backs in the number of prototypes built caused numerous delays. The Javelin entered service in early 1956 and served as a front line fighter for the next 13 years. Flying in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East the Javelin defended the dwindling British Empire. It never met the enemy it was designed for. Instead it ended its days flying low over the Borneo and Malaya jungle searching for insurgents, but it soldiered on and performed all the tasks that was asked of it.

Daye has a problem. A big, loud, scary, living under the bed, kind of problem; Or at least she thinks she does But with the help of her two big sisters and some really exciting news, Daye doesn't simply create a disbelief in what she's afraid of, but she learns to hold on to a true belief in what can conquer all of her fears Get to know Shea (the charming eldest sister with a mature spirit and loving nature), Gray (the joyful middle sister with a kind heart and magnetic personality) and Daye (the sweet baby sister with an inclusive thoughtfulness and silly persona). And come along beside them as they teach a lesson about how to have courage, using only the weapon of God.

Daye has a problem. A big, loud, scary, living under the bed, kind of problem. Or at least she thinks she does But with the help of her two big sisters and some really exciting news, Daye doesn't simply create a disbelief in what she's afraid of, but she learns to hold on to a true belief in what can conquer all of her fears Get to know Shea (the charming eldest sister with a mature spirit and loving nature), Gray (the joyful middle sister with a kind heart and magnetic personality) and Daye (the sweet baby sister with an inclusive thoughtfulness and silly persona). And come along beside them as they teach a lesson about how to have courage, using only the weapon of God's word.

The Gladiator was the last biplane fighter in service with the RAF. Despite its obsolescence in 1939 it saw considerable active service in WW2, from the African desert to the snows of Finland. In this two-volume set, Alex Crawford tells the complete story of the Gladiator. In Volume 2, the technical specifications, details of surviving airframes and more color schemes are presented. Both volumes contain many photos, scale plans, and color profiles. Together they represent the most detailed coverage of this classic fighter available, an invaluable resource for aviation enthusiasts and historians.

The Westland Whirlwind belongs to that category of aircraft which entered production but failed to live up to their designers' expectations. Its unreliable engines can be seen as a major reason for this but it only serves to hide other serious problems. Indeed, even with better engines the results would probably have been the same, as the concept of a twin-engined fighter aircraft capable of meeting single-engined fighters escorting bombers formations on an equal footing was fallacious, as combat in WW2 was soon to prove. The true story of the Whirwind and the pilots who flew it is here told in 52 pages with almost 50 photographs, many being published for the first time.