Comments: Softcover, 384 pages, all black-and-white photos
ISBN: 978-1-78155-616-0
Price: $40
Publisher: Fonthill Media/Casemate Publishers
From the publisher: The de Havilland Vampire was the second of the Royal Air Force’s first-generation, post-World War II jet fighters to enter service. It began life as an interceptor but was soon retasked in the day fighter/ground attack roles with the 2nd Tactical Air Force in Germany from 1948 to 1954, and with the RAF’s Middle and Far East Air Forces. Throughout its 46-year career, it collected many notable firsts: It was the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic; the first jet to land on an aircraft carrier; and the first jet trainer on which student pilots qualified for their wings.
In addition to playing a full part in the RAF’s order of battle during the 1940s and 1950s, the Vampire also served with the Fleet Air Arm and became an export success story for the British aircraft industry, with hundreds sold to air forces worldwide. For a brief period during the 1950s, the Vampire formed the backbone of the RAF’s night-fighter force, and between 1952 and 1967 the Vampire trainer was responsible for a steady flow of trained pilots for the RAF, Royal Navy, and foreign air forces.
This comprehensive history covers the Vampire’s development and operational service. It has been written with the full cooperation of the manufacturer, MoD, RAF, and other world air forces, mixing narrative and technical detail with vivid personal accounts from those involved with the aircraft. Comprehensive appendices include technical specifications, production details, serials, and export details.
FSM says: Text-driven, deep background on a heroic aircraft.