From Jet Provost to Strikemaster: A Definitive History of the Basic and Counter-Insurgent Aircraft at Home and Overseas

Watkins, David

ISBN 10: 191069035X / ISBN 13: 9781910690352

Published by Grub Street Publishing, 2017

About this Item

private library liquidation.

Seller Inventory # 120244

Bibliographic Details

• Title: From Jet Provost to Strikemaster: A Definitive History of the Basic and Counter-Insurgent Aircraft at Home and Overseas
• Publisher: Grub Street Publishing
• Publication Date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 191069035X
• ISBN 13: 9781910690352
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: New
• Dust Jacket Condition: As New

About this title

Synopsis

This book covers the complete and long overdue history of the Hunting/BAC Jet Provost and Strikemaster, which for thirty-eight years trained generations of pilots and pioneered the RAF’s all-through flying training program. Originally designed and built in 1951 as a private venture by Percival Aircraft in Luton, the Jet Provost became the primary jet-powered training aircraft for the RAF following a series of experimental courses at RAF Hullavington in 1955. By 1957, there was a contract for the production order of 100 Jet Provost T Mk. 3s. The Jet Provost even had a display flying team between 1958 and 1976 but was eventually withdrawn from RAF service in July 1993. The development of the BAC 167 Strikemaster in the 1960s saw a light-attack aircraft designed for counterinsurgency operations and predominantly used by overseas air forces. Adopted by thirteen air forces, both types have seen an array of action – from the Dhofar War to operating as close support and counterinsurgency against well-armed, communist-back guerrillas. Despite some 723 Jet Provost and Strikemaster airframes produced between 1954 and 1983, these aircraft have been overlooked in contrast to other jet types in the same period until now. David Watkins has produced an extensive look at these aircraft after years of painstaking research assisted by veterans and historians. Having accessed the archives of the Warton Collection, he has amassed a range of rare photography to accompany the extraordinary history of these jets. From Jet Provost to Strikemaster is a work of narrative and technical detail which will satisfy the most avid aviation fans. Furthermore, Airfix have recently released a Jet Provost model, increasing interest in this long neglected aircraft.

About the Author

David Watkins is a former member of the RAF and a keen aviation historian with previous works including a history of RAF Chivenor, the de Havilland Vampire and Venom, 501 (County of Gloucester) Sqn, RAuxAF and a history of RAF aerobatic teams from 1920.