Aerobatic Teams of the World
Balch, Adrian M.
The most colourful military aircraft of the post-war years are, without doubt, the various types flown by the Aerobatic Teams of the World's Air Forces. A few of these teams have been retained for some twenty or thirty years, but the majority have only appeared for a few seasons, to be replaced by newer aircraft from other units. The United States Air Force and Navy have retained their Thunderbirds and Blue Angels teams since 1953 and 1946 respectively. Other long-running teams have been the Red Arrows of the Royal Air Force, La Patrouille de France of the French Air Force and the Blue Impulse team of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force.
During the 1960s and early '70s, the Royal Air Force operated several Jet Provost teams, but due to the ever-increasing operating costs, was forced to disband them. Likewise, many smaller air arms have had to disband their aerobatic teams in recent years for economy reasons. Luckily, those that keep going are displayed to audiences in neighbouring countries and thus retain the fascination and enthusiasm for aerobatic teams worldwide.
The book spans the whole history of the aerobatic teams, from the wire-and-fabric biplanes of the 1930s to the fast, exhilarating jet teams of today. For modellers, there are notes on colour schemes and the aircraft serial numbers are quoted where known. Aviation historians will find this book invaluable for reference to a subject that has never been covered in such depth before under one cover.
Hardcover with dust jacket, large format
147 Seiten / pages
many photos
good condition
London - 1986 - Guild Publishing
Art.Nr. 22521
