Fleet Air Arm Boys: Volume 2

Dive into the captivating world of naval aviation with 'Fleet Air Arm Boys: Volume 2'. Authored by the esteemed Steve Bond and published by Grub Street, this hardback edition is an essential read for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Spanning 256 pages and expertly crafted in a 156 x 234 mm format, the book captures the rich legacy of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm since World War II. Experience the evolution of airborne power projection, exploring the critical role of strike aircraft in global conflicts and operations. From the iconic HMS Queen Elizabeth to the formidable HMS Prince of Wales, this volume highlights the resurgence of fixed-wing carrier aviation and the brave aircrew who navigate high-risk environments. Discover true stories narrating the experiences of veterans, maintainers, and aircraft handlers over a remarkable 76-year history. With insights into operations from Suez to the Falklands, this compelling text details the array of aircraft used in crucial roles, including anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning missions. Illustrated beautifully in both black and white and color, each page not only informs but also showcases the spirit and humor that defined the Fleet Air Arm community. Whether you are a collector, historian, or simply intrigued by military aviation, 'Fleet Air Arm Boys: Volume 2' is a must-have addition for any bookshelf, enriching your understanding of the Royal Navy's aerial prowess and heritage.

Author: Steve Bond Publisher: Grub Street
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 19-07-2021

Since the end of World War 2 the primary role of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm has been airborne power projection; the ability rapidly to respond to any trouble spot across the globe and to protect the interests of the United Kingdom and its partner nations. The principal tools in that response were the strike aircraft which took the offensive to the aggressor. Although from 2010 to 2020 fixed-wing carrier aviation was not part of the Fleet Air Arm, with the advent of the navy's two new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, that capability has been restored. This renewed focus has not only seen the return of flying high performance aircraft from a carrier, but also the regeneration of the necessary skills, and courage, needed to cope with the extremes of weather and the nature of air operations in a very high-risk environment. However the lessons of the past have not been forgotten, and so many of those previous experiences are related within these pages - true stories of the last 76 years from aircrew, maintainers, aircraft handlers and many other supporting staff both men and women. Following on from the success of volume one, this second volume covers every fixed-wing aircraft type flown from carriers in the strike, anti-submarine warfare and the vital airborne early warning roles; from Scimitars to Hunters, Buccaneers to Skyraiders and many more, plus an extensive fleet of land-based aircraft. As with the first volume, involvement in operations such as Suez, the Beira Patrol, the Falklands, Belize, Bosnia and elsewhere is included. Despite the intensity and all-to-frequent tragedy of operations, the esprit de corps, and the ability to find the necessary release through laughter, shine through. Here are the words of the men and women themselves, profusely illustrated in black and white and colour.