Another iconic British aircraft is the Avro Vulcan. Developed along with the Vickers Valiant and Handley Page Victor, it was part of the V-bomber triumvirate that made up the British strategic bomber force during the the 1950s and 1960s. Its distinct 'batwing' delta shape made it an instant crowd pleaser when it was flown at air shows and is the only one of the three of which there is still a flying example, and the only one of the three that actually saw combat in its intended role.

In line with their other 'complete history' books, this one  has the usual sections on its development, early problem solving, and service introduction. Unusual among aircraft of the time is that there were several of what we now call 'technology demonstrators' in the form of the Avro 707 series that were developed to prove the viability of the airframe design. These are given their own section. Vulcan operations during the 1982 Falkands War and their long range 'Black Buck' missions are also given considerable space in the book, for those were truly incredible missions that required exceptional planning for the time. Vulcan weapons and modified systems are also part and parcel of this book, with the Blue Steel and tanker conversions fully covered. Of course, no Vulcan book is complete without the story of the efforts to return one to flying condition and that is also included.

Besides being a great read, this is also a good book to use for research and reference. There are a number of appendices that cover subjects like export sales, aircraft serial numbers with a brief history on each one, airframe descriptions, weapons, drawings to 1/144 scale, detail photos and pilot's notes. There are also a number very well done color profiles.

In all, an excellent reference book that I know you will find as useful as have I. A book that seriously deserves a space on your library shelf and one that I can easily recommend to you.

April 2009

Review book courtesy of Specialty Press , where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books. Visit their website at the link above or call them at 1-800-895-4585

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