Tony Blackman (12)

Vulcan Test Pilot: My Experiences in the Cockpit of a Cold War Icon

ISBN: 9781906502300

Author: Tony Blackman    Publisher: Grub Street

In 2007, a restored Avro Vulcan Mark 2 - XH558 - took to the skies to help commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. To coincide with this the...


In 2007, a restored Avro Vulcan Mark 2 - XH558 - took to the skies to help commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. To coincide with this the memoirs of one of its test pilots, Tony Blackman, was published to great acclaim. Now the first book about test flying this monumental delta-wing aircraft which dominated the history of the late 20th century is available in paperback. Tony is the ideal man to write such a tale as he flew no less than 105 of the 136 built, logging 850 flights at over 1,327 hours. His book describes in layman's terms what it was like to tame the first prototypes and to master the unusual characteristics necessitated by the Vulcan's shape. Although Tony puts the developments, demonstrations, incidents and accidents in their political and historical context, his story is a highly personal one. He explains how this awesome aircraft became a national treasure and captured the imagination of the whole country.


Pages: 224


Dimensions: 153 x 234 mm


Publication Date: 31-05-2009


Tag: Military
$49.99
V Force Boys (pb)

ISBN: 9781911667360

Author: Tony Blackman    Publisher: Grub Street

Relisted - Publication delayed until March 2023 The V Force consisted of three four-jet bombers, the Valiant, the Vulcan and the Victor, all required as part of...


Relisted - Publication delayed until March 2023 The V Force consisted of three four-jet bombers, the Valiant, the Vulcan and the Victor, all required as part of the nuclear deterrent in the Cold War following the end of the Second World War. The Valiant was less aerodynamically advanced than the other two and went into service in 1955. The Vulcan entered service in 1956 and the Victor a year later. The Valiant finished operating in 1965 and the Vulcan in 1984. The later Victors were converted into refuelling tankers and carried on until 1993. V Force Boys contains a fascinating collection of previously unpublished stories by V Force ground and aircrew for all three V bombers. Among other highlights, the book includes a first-hand account of dropping the last UK H Bomb, a description of how all the aircraft navigated before the days of GPS, the training the crews received and an armourer’s account of how the nuclear weapons were moved with complete safety but not in the regimented way that might be expected. In addition there are chapters which tell of incidents that would not be found in the RAF historical annals but show how the vigilant guarding of the UK had its lighter moments. A must for all Vulcan, Victor and Valiant enthusiasts.


Bind: paperback


Pages: 208


Dimensions: 153 x 234 mm


Publication Date: 31-03-2023


$39.99
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