RAF Air-to-Air Refuelling: A Pictorial History

The desire to fly faster, higher, and further with increased payloads led to the development of air-to-air refuelling in the 1920s. Alan Cobham revolutionized it with the 'Grapple-line looped-hose system' and formed Flight Refuelling Limited (FRL). By the 1930s, transatlantic flights were a priority, and the Cold War made it a military requirement. Boeing's Model 367-80 was a unique opportunity for the USAF and RAF, and surplus Valiant bombers, Vulcan, and Victor aircraft were converted to support the new V-bomber force. Today, air-to-air refuelling is an essential part of modern warfare, providing both strategic and tactical tanking capabilities.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 128 pages
\n Publication date: 15 April 2019
\n Publisher: Amberley Publishing
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Once man had mastered the ability to fly, there came the desire to fly faster, higher, and further with increased payloads. Some of the earliest experiments with air-to-air refuelling occurred in the 1920s, and as long-distance record attempts progressed, Alan Cobham was in the thick of it. Cobham would later revolutionise air-to-air refuelling, initially with the 'Grapple-line looped-hose system, along with the formation of Flight Refuelling Limited (FRL). By the 1930s, the emphasis was on transatlantic flights – especially by providing a faster postal service between Europe and the USA. With the advent of the Cold War, the need for air-to-air refuelling became a clear military requirement. When Boeing announced the Model 367-80, the USAF saw a unique opportunity and placed large orders for the KC-135A version. Meanwhile, the RAF also saw the necessity for tanker aircraft to support its new V-bomber force. Initially, surplus Valiant bombers were converted, and later Vulcan and Victor aircraft too. Today, air-to-air refuelling is an essential part of modern warfare, providing both strategic and tactical tanking capabilities. This book is profusely illustrated with images from a variety of sources, including the Air Historical Branch and the author's extensive collection, many of which have never previously been published, and all are supported with a concise but informative text.

\n Weight: 384g\n
Dimension: 232 x 170 x 10 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781445666044\n \n