This is a unique account of the development and operational use of air-to-air flight refuelling since its early beginnings in the USA and the UK to the equipment that is in use today. The author draws upon his life-long career as senior design engineer with the successful British company In-Flight Refuelling who were responsible for the development of the hose and drogue technique now preferred by many of the world's air forces. The story begins in the early 1920s when the art of air refuelling was part of the Barn Storming record-breaking attempts that were popular in the USA. It continues into the late thirties when successful experiments were made. Amazingly; the Royal Air Force were not interested in pursuing this great technical advantage during World War II and it was the USAAF who requested the British invention to experiment with on their B-17s and B-24s. The Korean War saw extended use of operational air-to-air refuelling for the first time and now the 'tanker fleet' is an essential unit in major air-forces around the world.
#275600 in Books Osprey Publishing 2004-05-25 2004-05-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 250.95 x 4.19 x 7.25l; #File Name: 184176662364 pages9781841766621
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Nice insight into squads and platoons in WW IIBy Steven PetersonThis is a companion to another work by Bull: "World War II Infantry Tactics--Company and Battalion." The squad and platoon are the lowest units within an infantry organization. Here; British; American; and German units are compared. Basic principles of each country's use of these formations is provided.The squad is considered the basic constituent unit--10-12 soldiers. As this book notes; "it was the cornerstone of morale" (page 20). Squad organization and weapons are described across the three countries considered here. Offensive and defensive tactics are also discussed. Finally; the platoon. I think that there might have been a bit more on this structure; but the section is informative.As always; the pictures and diagrams add. Much of the material is from manuals from all three powers; giving the work added effectiveness.All in all; a nice addition to this Osprey series; "Elite."2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Provides succinct overview of its topic in its 64 page lengthBy YodaThis book provides an introduction; in a very succinct fashion; to the squad and platoon experience; training; doctrine; tactics (defensive and offensive); organization and fieldworks for the German; English and American armies in 64 pages. Does it succeed? Remarkably; for its length (64 pages) and its breadth of topics; yes. With one hour's of reading one gets an idea of the main differences (and similarities) between the German; British and American armies at this level of organization. The book also is well illustrated with pictures and sketching to show attack; defense strategies; field fortifications; etc. (basically what it discusses). The only illustration it is missing is one showing how the "typical" German; English and American infantryman was kitted out (a page with all three would have been nice). Plus the author's writting is not dry.In short; if you are looking for a brief introduction to this topic this is the book to read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Like all this seriesBy History NutI wish more scriptwriters and authors would read this book. It would help them get it right. Like all this series; it gives one a short but informative description of its subject. It is well worth the purchase price.
