Philip J. Birtles Books

At Hatfield Aerodrome de Havilland created the WW2 Mosquito, the first multi role combat aircraft. De Havilland companies pioneered turbojet development, leading to the Comet, the world's first commercial jet airliner. De Havilland developed guided missiles and the Blue Streak rocket. The DH 108 was the first aircraft exceed Mach 1 outside the USA.

This is a detailed history of the Hawker Hunter jet fighter, covering development and operational service across the world, illustrated by many previously unpublished images in both colour and black and white.

The Vickers Wellington seen in RAF bomber design, development, production, and combat service. The Wellington crews served with distinction in this versatile aircraft from before the Second World War until the 1950s, throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

John Cunningham became a well-known personality following his WW2 combat successes, and his demonstrations of the Comets and Tridents at the Farnborough Air Shows. He was a modest man who did not seek publicity, but was a highly skilled test pilot in Britain's pioneering jet age. He also sold Tridents to China.