The best classic aircraft books as selected and recommended by us.
Our reviews of classic aircraft books vary in length and detail - books I read recently, or that feature aircraft I have a particular interest in tend to get longer reviews!
The rating figure given on the review page is intended to reflect the value of the book to those with an interest in the aircraft featured.
Books that I have not enjoyed tend not to make it into the list. One result of this is that most of the reviews are quite positive. It also means that I would recommend most of the books listed here.
Book Review: Antonov's Heavy Transports: Big Lifters for War and Peace (Red Star). The Antonov design bureau has long been associated with transport and utility aircraft such as the Antonov An-2 , (featured elswhere on this website). This heavily illustrated book concentrates on the heavy transports - the An-22, An-124, the An-70 and the amazing An-225 "Mriya".
Book Review, Fleet Air Arm Carrier war: The History of British Naval Aviation from conception to the present day.
Jane’s Vintage Aircraft Recognition Guide. The Janes name is well known for the quality of their expertise, and this guide is no exception. Each aircraft (from around 500) is described, brief specs listed, and illustrated with color photography
Book Review: Modern Air Transport: Worldwide Air Transport 1945 to the Present. A collection of detailed articles by several Specialist Contributors. Well illustrated in Black & White, it will increase your understanding of Air Transport no end
Book Review: Sepecat Jaguar: Tactical Support and Maritime Strike Fighter. The SEPECAT Jaguar was a less famous Ango-French collaboration then the Concorde , but aurguably more sucessful. This beautifully produced book tells the story of the Jaguar with extensive illustrations in colour, and the personal stories of the men who flew the Jaguar in combat. Recommended!
Book Review: V-bombers: Valiant, Vulcan and Victor (The Crowood Press Ltd. An extremely well researched book covering not only the "V" Bombers - the Valiant, Vulcan and Victor - but also the Short Sperrin .
Book Review:Valkyrie: North American's Mach 3 Superbomber. The North American Valkyrie was an outstanding aircraft, and the largest aircraft ever to fly at Mach 3. This well researched and illustated book covers the North American Aviation XB-70A Valkyrie in fascinating detail. The book to buy for the whole story of the Valkyrie
Book Review: Vulcan 607 by Rowland White. When Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in 1982, they did not expect Britain to fight back. The RAF response was to plan an audacious mission to bomb the runway at Port Stanley, using the aged and soon to be retired Avro Vulcan Bomber. Vulcan 607 tells the story of the first mission in fascinating detail - superb!
