A comprehensive directory of the world's combat aircraft since 1945 with over 260 entries spanning the technological advances developed over nearly six decades. From the last of the piston engined fighters and bombers, through the early jet age and on to today's highly advanced aircraft, 'Combat Aircraft Since 1945' covers the fighters, bombers, maritime patrol aircraft and helicopter gunships which have fought past battles and will fight those of the future. (From back cover).

The world's first jet engines were already available shortly before the end of the Second World War, but they had not been developed to a high enough standard to take part. This changed after 1945 when, on both sides of the Iron Curtain, one technological development surpassed the others and records tumbled almost every week. The era of the piston engine was finally over and jet fighters now dominated the skies. By the mid-1950s their speed had already reached double that of the speed of sound; an achievement which a few years earlier, would have sounded to many like science fiction.

This book consists of an A-Z of modern fighters, from 1945 to the present day. From the propeller-driven Hawker SEa Fury to the jet-powered Eurofighter Typhoon, all the principal post-war fighters are described, illustrated and analyzed.

"This material was originally published as part of the reference set Aircraft of the World"--Title page verso.

Examines how airfare requirements have evolved since WWII, and how air power has contributed to military needs.

Military Jet Aircraft is a fully illustrated guide to over fifty of the most important jet-engined aircraft developed between 1945 and the present day, with an artwork and description of each aircraft type alongside action photographs and a comprehensive specifications.