Boscombe Down is to the British what Edwards AFB is to Americans; a place where new aircraft are put through their paces. It is also a place were experiments and modifications on existing aircraft are tested and verified.

After the Second World War, it was a very exciting time for aviation. New forms of aircraft power-plants were being tested and new airframes seemingly appeared overnight. The 1950s were an especially fascinating time period as aircraft speeds and capabilities advanced in leaps and bounds instead of steadily moving forward. Author Tim Mason has picked the 30 years after WWII as being the most interesting time period for this book and rightly so. After 1975, the pace of new aircraft development slowed to a crawl and many European aircraft were now part of aviation consortiums as nations were no longer able to foot the ever-increasing bill of aircraft development and construction.

Packed into its 336 pages, The Cold War Years is an in-depth look at the operation of Boscombe Down and more importantly, the myriad variety of aircraft that were seen and tested. Everything from brand new prototype aircraft to checking a new radio fit were carried out at Boscombe Down and that is all recorded. Probably the biggest hurdle that the author had to overcome was a lack of archival information. There were times when the technicians and pilots were kept so busy that it was impossible for them to do all the necessary paperwork and reports on various experiments and equipment, so that information has been lost to us. However, Tim Mason has done a yeoman's job at providing us with detailed information on what was available.

The book is broken down into several sections.

First is a history of the A&AEE (Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment) including the roles of its various departments.

Next is the flying portion of the Establishment which deals with the various departments and operations that specifically have to do with flight testing.

The Assessment Divisions and Sections is next. A&AEE is more than just testing aircraft and here the electronics, armament and other non-flying testing is discussed.

Finally the sections on aircraft, which make up the majority of the book. It is broken down into Fighters and strike aircraft, bombers and maritime aircraft, helicopters, transports, trainers, miscellaneous aircraft, and carrier borne aircraft. Every single aircraft and type known to have spent any time at Boscombe down is covered with photographs whenever possible.

The book is a huge resource for British and foreign types of the time. Photographs are superbly chosen and well printed. As much detail as is known about each type's use at the Establishment is provided, which includes some very interesting and novel experiments. While pilot stories are kept to a minimum, those of particular interest are included. There are several pages of color photos as well as profiles of the more interesting types  provided within its pages.

Overall, this is an excellent reference book for those interested in British aircraft in general and aircraft testing in particular. It is not light reading but will reward the serious aviation enthusiast with its depth and coverage.

 It is one that I'd recommend you add to your library. Get it while you can as the number of available copies is slowly dwindling down.

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