Navigational chart of the Arabian Gulf states. Operational Navigation Chart J-7, 3rd Edition. Scale 1:1,000,000.

A flight chart covering the Arabian Peninsula, likely produced for RAF and USAF pilots active in the region and printed on rayon for ease of use. It shows Muscat and Oman, Saudi Arabia, Southern Yemen, and the Trucial States, all of which saw conflict in the 1960s and 70s. During the Middle Eastern wars of the second half of the 20th century, including the Dhofar War, Aden Emergency, and 1973 Arab-Israeli War, the UK and the US acted as security patrons for the Arab states, ensuring an unbroken flow of oil to the west and forming a buffer against Soviet influence. The RAF in particular maintained a number of bases in Oman, specifically at Masirah and Salalah. Maps such as these would have been issued to those based in the area for use on surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Single sheet of rayon (1,050 x 780 mm), colour map on recto and verso. Map bright, old folds, top edge slightly frayed, a little soiled and creased: a very good copy.