Martin W. Bowman Books

Compiled from detailed correspondence with some of the last surviving aircrew.

The story of Boeing in photographs, from early beginnings to the present day

Features an array of engaging black and white images from wartime archives, telling the story of the North American P-51 Mustang in words and pictures.

Includes first-hand testimonies from airmen and women of the RAF, Commonwealth and American air forces.

Designed in response to a 1951 requirement, the C-130 Hercules is the most successful military airlifter ever built. Since it first flew in prototype form on 23 August 1954, more than 2,100 have been produced in over eighty different versions. Across its variants, the Hercules serves more than sixty air forces, as well as many civilian cargo operators, in a multiplicity of roles, including air-to-air refueller, gunship, airborne command post, flying hospital and firefighter. This rugged and easily maintained aircraft entered service in 1956 with the USAF Tactical Air Command. Ten years later the 'Charlie 130' was providing the essential logistical support in Vietnam. This period in Southeast Asia was the Hercules' finest hour. Paradrops, airlift and evacuation operations were completed around the clock, often at low level, usually under fire and nearly always in bad weather. A generation later this 'Mr Dependable' was serving with equal distinction in the Gulf War in the role of airlifter, radio-countermeasures and 'psy-ops' platform, gunship and, once again, 'block-buster bomber'. The 'Herky Bird' or 'Fat Albert', as the C-130 is fondly known, has proved a key component in humanitarian relief operations ever since, in all parts of the world. The incredible success story of the C-130 is far from over. Here Martin W. Bowman tells the full story of this remarkable aircraft at firsthand.

This book features a wealth of first-hand testimony drawn from pilots who flew the outstanding Hawker Hunter.

A consolidation of first-hand accounts from German fighter pilots caught up in some of the most dramatic night time conflicts of the early war years.

The unique contribution Lancasters have made in war is commemorated in fitting style.

First-hand accounts from the prisoners themselves are woven into the overall picture of life behind the wire, creating a sense of the PoW experience.

Boeing's mighty B-52 Stratofortress has seen continuous operational service with the United States Air Force since the type was introduced in 1957. The aircraft has been upgraded several times and has assumed many different new roles since it was originally conceived and then provided the key airborne platform for America's strategic nuclear force. It is predicted that it will serve as a front-line aircraft until 2040. Apart from the formidable threat it provided during the long years of the 'Cold War', the aircraft has played a significant part in all US overseas operations since Vietnam. The more recent include Desert Storm in 1991, the Balkan conflict, Afghanistan and the liberation of Iraq. Over 700 were built and around 80 remain in service. This book includes chapters on Concept Requirement, Design and Development, Production, Evolution and Variant Models, Operational Tasking, Operational History (with firsthand accounts from crews), Weapons and Equipment Carried, Flying the Aircraft and Current Service Operations. It is highly illustrated with many original shots taken aboard B-52s, together with archive material and color profiles.