Vulcan Units of Cold War (C.A. #72)

The best of the three RAF jet bombers in the early years of the Cold War, the Vulcan was designed as the Avro 698, and possessed fighter-like manoeuvrability at low level despite its size. First flown in August 1952, the Vulcan entered service in February 1957. Most were equipped to carry the Blue Steel stand-off missile, but in 1966 around 50 Vulcans were re-deployed in a tactical low-level bombing role. Three flew during the Falklands War, and the last Vulcans in service were used as aerial tankers until April 1984. This book examines the design of the Vulcan, exploring the improvements made to its engine and its evolving combat role. The illustrations include many in-flight photographs and detailed colour profiles. This is a timely examination of a distinctive and ground-breaking aircraft. "As with all books in the Osprey Combat Aircraft series, there are several pages of color aircraft profiles, in this case by aviation artist Chris Davey. These highly detailed profiles chronicle the Vulcan from its early days sporting the glossy white anti-flash paint to the time when doctrinal changes dictated a switch to overall earthtone camouflage. Each color plate is accompanied by a comprehensive caption. The Avro Vulcan was fielded to fulfill a specific mission, was regularly adapted to the ever changing arena of the Cold War, and finally bowed out after decades of frontline service. Andrew Brookes does an excellent job covering the history of the operational employment of the Vulcan, both the machine itself and the men who flew it, all the while keeping the global context in mind. A first class addition to any Aviation Bookcase." -"Logbook"