The latest in Key Publishing’s ‘Combat Machines’ series is ‘Hawker
Hunter’ by the ever reliable .
This 84 page soft cover book gives succinct summaries of Hunter design
and development, British operators, technical details of the single-
and two-seat variants, trials and experimental aircraft, export sales,
aerobatic teams and combat use including the Indonesian experiences of
20 Squadron pilot, .
The final section is principally for modellers and lists many
available kits, conversion packs and decal sheets.
The book is profusely illustrated with period black-and-white
photographs as well as later colour pictures, many of which are
published for the first time. There are 35 colour side elevations, and
a ‘walk-round’ photo section.
Of historical interest are tables of RAF and RN Hunter units, a
complete UK new-build production list and a list of refurbished export
aircraft. The book is completed by a page of single-seater data and a
centre spread of Mike Badrocke’s FG9A cutaway drawing. This book is
widely available and is excellent value at just £7.99 - don’t miss it.
The Aviation Historian, Issue 26
Another bumper Issue from Member . There are no specifically ‘Hawker’
articles but plenty of interest, nevertheless.
Pieces that caught your editor’s eye include the story of
colourful who
was posted to California in 1938 to evaluate the suitability of US
aircraft for the RAF,
(again!) account of some of the more obscure Ouragon and Mystere based
Dassault experimental prototypes, and more on the US Navy’s Seaplane
Striking Force concept of the early 1950s and the projects and aircraft
devised by Convair and Martin to meet the requirement.
Transport aircraft enthusiasts will enjoy the story of the
industrial and political battle between Avro’s 748 and the Handley Page
Herald.