Steve Davies is an accomplished author of eight critically acclaimed books and co-author of four more, specializing in military and commercial aviation photojournalism. His prolific freelance writing includes numerous articles for leading global aviation publications, contributing to aviation supplements that have achieved worldwide sales in the millions. Davies has also served as a subject matter expert for military aviation documentaries commissioned by major television networks and the History Channel. His photography has been prominently featured not only in the aviation press but also by major defense contractors and aviation corporations.
Offering a unique insider's perspective, the book chronicles Steve Davies' 48-year journey in the railway industry, starting as a messenger boy and advancing to train driver. With a collection of 148 notebooks detailing his experiences, including train specifications and operational intricacies, he demystifies railway jargon for readers. This engaging narrative appeals to both industry professionals and enthusiasts, providing a captivating glimpse into the daily realities of driving trains and the workings of the railway system.
Dubbed 'Warthog' - or just 'Hog' - by those who fly and maintain it, the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is the world's undisputed close air support attack jet. As tough as it is ugly, it has built a fearsome reputation as a tank buster and infantry killer in conflicts around the globe, and its GAU-8 Avenger 30mm cannon strikes fear into the hearts of all unlucky enough to be on the wrong side of it.he A-10 was clutched from the jaws of retirement by the 1991 Gulf War. At the time of the conflict, the United States Air Force was making plans to shed it's A-10 fleet, citing obsolescence and redundancy. As the ensuing conflict showed, nothing could have been further from the truth, and no other airframe could have provided the US and Coalition commanders with the sort of forward air control, close air support, combat search and rescue, and tank busting capabilities that the Hog did. Since then the A-10 has delivered capabilities to battlefield commanders in the Balkans (1990s), Afghanistan (2001 onwards) and the second Gulf War (2003 onwards), and Libya (2011). A-10s have flown around 11 per cent of Operation Inherent Resolve sorties (striking IS targets in Iraq) since combat operations began in August 2014.
Officially called the Fighting Falcon by the USAF (a name loathed by pilots and ground crews), the F-16 is popularly referred to as the "Viper". First introduced into service with the USAF in 1978, the F-16 is a successful all-weather multi-role jet fighter of which more than 4,500 have been built and exported to 25 countries worldwide. It remains in service more than 30 years later. The Viper incorporates a number of innovative design features that include a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, pilot's side-mounted control stick for ease of control when manoeuvring, a seat reclined 30 degrees to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot, and the first use of a relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire flight control system that makes the Viper a highly agile aircraft. At the 'business end' the F-16 has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and eleven weapon-mounting stations.
The eight-engine Boeing B-52 Stratofortress jet was the USA's first long-
range, swept-wing heavy bomber. It began life as an intercontinental, high-
altitude Cold War nuclear bomber. In this title, the author recalls its
history, gets up close to look under the skin of B-52, and talks to the flight
crews and maintainers of this legendary aircraft.
Throughout its 34-year Cold War career with the USAF and CIA, the top secret Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane was the world's fastest and highest-flying operational manned aircraft. Dedicated to strategic reconnaissance, the Blackbird was so fast that no other aircraft could catch it. The co-authors are world authorities on the Blackbird and give rare insights into the secret world of the SR-71, its genesis, construction and anatomy (including its use of stealth technology), and its operation and maintenance in peace and war.
