The end of the Second World War provided little rest for air forces and the aircraft industry. Both sides now had to put enormous energy into research and development to gain an edge. For the British aircraft industry it meant producing aircraft quickly, and on tight budgets: for Bomber Command to carry Britain’s new nuclear deterrent, and for Fighter Command to defend the country.

This book examines the RAF’s British-made combat jet aircraft of this turbulent and frightening period, up to the cancellation of TSR-2 and the end of the British aircraft industry as it then was. The great names, Hunter, Vulcan, Lightning, Harrier, are considered alongside less well known types, and the story of each key aircraft is told from development to operational use.

This book is part of the Britain’s Heritage series, which provides definitive introductions to the riches of Britain’s past, and is the perfect way to get acquainted with British military jets in all their variety.