A large number of fighter projects have been drawn by British companies over the last fifty years, but very few have turned into hardware, and very little has been published about these fascinating "might-have-beens". This book makes extensive use of previously unpublished, primary-source material-much recently declassified. It gives an insight into a secret world where the public has had little idea of what was going on, while at the same time presenting a coherent nationwide picture of fighter development and evolution. Particular emphasis is placed on tender design competitions and some of the events that led to certain aircraft either being canceled or produced. Some of the many and varied types included are the Hawker P.1103/P.1136/P.1121 series, and the Fairey "Delta III". The book includes many illustrations, plus specially commissioned renditions of "might-have-been" types in contemporary markings.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
British Secret projects,
By Fabio (Johannesberg, South Africa) - See all my reviews
This review is from: British Secret Projects : Jet Fighters Since 1950 (Hardcover)
In this area of aviation, it is common place to find literature on American X-planes and German post war projects. However it seems as though the rest of the worlds experimental and prototype aeroplanes have been simply overlooked! Thinking I knew the majority of British prototypes, I purchased this book as a 'coffee table' reference only to be pleasantly surprised at the amount of content that was unknown to myself! I believe Tony Butler has produced a real gem in this genre. The book in written in a no-nonsense simple format, dividing the aircraft both chronologically and in sections by type and manufacture. Obscure and rare 3-view drawings make up the majority of the book's graphics, with a large amount of photos and artist impressions thrown in between the script. Compliments must also be extended to the publishers for producing the book in a glossy format (similar to their other published books: Luftwaffe Secret Projects, Fighters and Bombers). My only negative comment would be that more colour artist impressions should have been included. This would have been a great source as a modelling reference and also to enhance the books appeal to those who would not be that inclined to read a book on this subject. All in all, this book is definitely recommended to all those interested in this area of aviation, and I only hope someone will now produce a similar book on Japanese and European Secret Projects!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tony Buttler pulls back the curtain on an era of British aviation history...,
This review is from: British Secret Projects : Jet Fighters Since 1950 (Hardcover)
X-planes have always held a special place in the aviation enthusiasts' heart. The fascination with what could have been and an enthusiasm for unheralded aircraft designs are showcased in this solid Midlands Publishing book by Tony Buttler entitled British Secret Projects: Jet Fighters Since 1950. The book, chock full of photographs, diagrams, and models of projects that never made the prototype stage, brings new life to many hidden aspects of the post-World War II British aviation industry. Buttler has worked with renowned Soviet aircraft expert Yefim Gordon, and has learned much from him in regards to delivering a book equally fascinating to both aviation buffs and modelers.
Thanks to this book, we get the chance to learn more about what was once a sketch on a designer's notepad. Buttler examines the development of British fighter aircraft by breaking down the book into 15 chapters, each focusing on a different type of aircraft requirement by the British government. For example instead of lumping interceptors into just one chapter, Buttler breaks it into naval all-weather, naval day interceptors, and high altitude fighters. This allows a more detailed examination of the development of each type over a decade's time and how designs evolve in response to manufacturer and government input and to changes in the initial requirement. Other chapters include variable geometry designs, the first British supersonic designs, and fighters designed to reach speeds of Mach 2 or higher. The designs from manufactures like Hawker, Gloster, Fairey, Bristol, Short, Supermarine, and Vickers range from the unique to the truly bizarre. Some designs have an elegance and beauty unknown to American and Soviets designs, most notably the De Havilland DH.116 naval fighter with its graceful wing sweep and T-tail, the Fairey F.155T delta winged, twin engine interceptor, and the twin-boomed supersonic STOVL Hawker Siddley P.1216. At 176 pages and with well over 200 color, black and white photographs, and design sketches, this book is full of everything an aviation enthusiast desires. The only negative is that the British aviation industry had neither the industrial base nor the technological capacity to build and research aircraft like the Americans and Soviets did, thereby leaving many of the designs to a mere sketch or model instead of developing into actual prototypes. Interestingly enough, however, if one compares the progression of fighter design in Britain after the introduction of the jet engine to that of American and Soviet designs, many similarities emerge. This demonstrates that the science of aeronautics and the physics involved in flight heavily determines the progression of design and development. After the 1960's the British began using American or joint-design aircraft like the Phantom, the Tornado, and the Eurofighter. Only the Harrier and the BAE Hawk, pure products of British design, have survived to this day in service. For the future, with the loss of so many British design bureaus and the internationalization of fighter design, it is unlikely we shall ever see a pure British design again. The Eurofighter and Joint Strike Fighter seem poised to serve for the next 30-40 years wearing the colors that once graced the wings of a Spitfire or Meteor. The Secret Projects series from Midland Publishing gives a glimpse into the fascinating world of aircraft design that might have been forever lost if not for the passion and diligence of the author and publisher. This is a great addition to the series and a must for the collector's shelf. This and other Midland Publishing books can be ordered here on Amazon, directly from the US distributor, Specialty Press, or on their website specialtypress.com. Highly recommended for enthusiasts and modelers. A.G. Corwin St.Louis, MO
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Secret Projects Fighters,
By C P Whitehouse (Auckland New Zealand) - See all my reviews
This review is from: British Secret Projects : Jet Fighters Since 1950 (Hardcover)
An excellent in depth review of the British Aviation industry from 1950 to 1990. All credit to Tony Butler for collecting the information from a wide range of sources to put this together. Beyond the pure detail of designs, Tony has put in the political influences that that guided both the RAF and the industry in this rapidly changing period. If you are interested in the Britsh aircraft industry for any reason, you need this book.
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