Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #308543 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

Synopsis
Originally conceived as a carrier-born maritime attack aircraft, the Blackburn design included many original features such as Boundary Layer Control, a system which blew hot air over the flying surfaces to increase lift when landing. The rotating bomb bay was also new and enabled easier maintenance, accessibility and reduced drag. The first model, the S Mk 1, entered operational service with the Fleet Air Arm in 1961. S Mk 2 became operational in 1964, powered by Rolls-Royce Spey engines that gave considerably more thrust. The aircraft were armed with rocket pods, up to 1,000 lb free-fall bombs, Martel air-to-ship missiles or the nuclear Red Beard system.During the financial upheavals of the mid 1960s, the government decided to retire the RN carrier fleet, thus eliminating a fixed-wing aircraft requirement. Simultaneously, the TSR2 development programme was abandoned and left the RAF without a new attack aircraft. Enter the S Mk2B, a land-based Buccaneer, with increased range and payload, which joined the RAF in 1969, and by the early 1970s the ex-Fleet Air Arm aircraft were also carrying RAF markings.

Customer Reviews

A relatively decend read
Although the book is pretty informative and gives a higly detailed account on the development of the Buccaneer, being a member of the general public I find it a bit hard to read. Probably the reason for this is not the book itself but the relatively uneventful history of the aircraft, which makes the fact that the book does not describe the participation of the aircrfat in the First Gulf War. Nevertheless it is a very nice book.

It delivers what is promised
This is a book about flying the Buccaneer. And very good at it. It contains a lot of details on how to fly and fight with this beast. The chapters covering tactics are very good and pilot recollections are great and VERY entertaining.

It`s a must to those interesting in the Buccaneer or the RN/RAF attack squadrons in the 1960s/70s.

My only criticism is the lack of detail on the technical evolution of the aircraft. Submodels are mentioned often, but for somebody not familiar with the type it would be quite meaningless. electronic equipment, even ejection seats, are mentioned and described, but somebody without a fairly deep knowledge of this particular aircraft could get false impressions or even be confused sometimes (I read a few pages ago about Martin Baker Mk4 seats being fitted, but now I find Mk6s being discussed!)