At the A-7 Corsair II's peak in the mid-1980s, some 30 US Navy squadrons flew various versions of the aircraft, including six Naval Air Reserve units, and these many of these units saw action across the Middle East. By the time the jet saw combat in Operation Desert Storm (1991), there remained only two fleet squadrons – many fleet squadrons having either disestablished or transitioned to the F/A18 Hornet – but both of these units (VA-46 and VA-72) played a major role in the campaign to free Kuwait. The book details the technological development and improvements that were introduced to the airframe post-Vietnam (the FLIR targeting pod from 1979 and AGM-88 HARM missile from 1983 being the most important), and how they shaped operational employment of the aircraft. The jet's combat experiences in conflicts during the 1970s (Cambodia), 1980s (Lebanon, Grenada, Libya and Iran), and 1990s (Iraq) are explained in detail, and Peter Mersky's expert analysis is supported by numerous first-hand accounts from naval aviators that saw action with the A-7 during these campaigns.

Arriving on station with the USS Ranger (CVA-61) in early December 1967, the first Corsair II squadron became operational immediatedly and sustained its first combat loss three weeks later. This book tells how the A-7 soon proved its worth supporting ground operations in South Vietnam. As it continued to serve in the ground support role, the navy swiftly introduced the A-7E which soon ran into difficulties with supply lines perhaps on account of what many perceived to have been a rushed introduction to service. Once these teething problems were resolved, the A-7E became the primary air-to-ground aircraft of the fleet.

ought¿s A-7 Corsair II served the U.S. Navy for over over two decades, and flew with distinction during the Vietnam conflict. The subsonic A-7 was based on Chance Vought¿s supersonic F-8 Crusader. It boasted a heads-up display, an inertial navigation system, and other innovations. The plane entered service in 1966, and served in Vietnam in late 1967. Its performance was impressive. The USS Ranger¿s VA-147 flew over 1,400 sorties with the loss of only one aircraft. The Air Force purchased an advanced version, the A-7D, equipped with a more powerful engine. The plane later flew missions over Lebanon, Libya, Grenada, Panama, and Iraq. The last planes in U.S inventory were retired in 1991. Originally printed by the U.S. Navy and Vought, this handbook for the A-7 provides a fascinating glimpse inside the cockpit of this famous aircraft. Originally classified ¿restricted¿, the manual was recently declassified and is here reprinted in book form.

Flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom was a young man's dream but the path from "Civvy Street" to operational on a fighter squadron was long, arduous and beset with obstacles. To succeed meant the chance to fly one of the most iconic combat aircraft that ever took to the air but not every fledgling aviator who began the journey fulfilled their ambition to wear the coveted "Op. badge". "Per Ardua--Training an RAF Phantom Crew" describes how Cold War aircrew assimilated the skills needed to fly and fight the complex fighter jet. It follows the progress through every stage and explains why it cost millions to train each pilot and navigator. Philip Keeble and David Gledhill, both former Phantom aircrew, recount the challenges and the emotions encountered during the rigorous training process in a frank yet light hearted way that will leave you wondering how anyone achieved the goal.

The F4U Corsair's combat career was longer than that of almost any other World War II fighter aircraft. Its success led to its service around the globe, and it was employed by the US Navy, British Fleet Air Arm and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. After the war, the Corsair also served with the French Navy, in various Latin American Air Forces, and with forces fighting in Korea. This book showcases seven separate Corsair variants modelled across 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scales. Among the aircraft featured are an F4U-1 Birdcage, an F4U-1A from VF-17 'Jolly Rogers', a Fleet Air Arm Corsair Mk.II, a Korean War F4U-4 and an F4U-7 French Corsair.

Developed from the A-5 nuclear bomber and used in a reconnaissance role, the RA-5C Vigilante was the largest and fastest aeroplane ever to operate from the deck of an aircraft carrier. During the Vietnam War it sustained the highest loss ratio of any American aircraft in that conflict. This volume includes compelling accounts of combat missions over key communist targets, where crews dodged Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) and anti-aircraft fire to secure all-important mission photographs. Written by a Vigilante combat veteran this book is crammed full of action-packed first-hand accounts.