‘Pegasus - the Heart of the Harrier’ by Andrew Dow has just been
published by Pen & Sword (ISBN: 978 1 84884 042 3) at £35. The
author, who was Commercial Manager Pegasus from 1975, has done a
magnificent job of research and writing to produce what must be the
definitive work on the origins, development and service use of the
unique Pegasus.
This 543 page book starts with Wibault and his work on
developing the vectored thrust concept and finishes with the
Pegasus11-61, covering all marks of Pegasus on the way, as well as the
BS100 and other projected Pegasus variants of which we have heard
little before. Besides the P.1127, Kestrel and Harrier applications,
the Dornier 31 programme is also well covered. Unusually, both
technical, commercial and political aspects are examined, greatly
adding to the value of the work. The book is well illustrated with many
newly published photographs.
Appendices cover: a table of all the Pegasus engines built and
in which type they were flown, a list of surviving early Pegasus
engines, data on early project studies, performance data for service
versions of the Pegasus, a list of Pegasus Chief Engineers and Chief
Designers, a list of Falklands War engines, a table of BS100 variants
and a lengthy bibliography. A thorough index completes the volume.
Highly recommended. The author, known as George, will be speaking to
the Association next year. We have a treat in store.
‘Hunter One - the Jet Heritage Story’
by Mike Phipp and our own Eric Hayward is published by Camberley (ISBN:
978 1 84868 244 23). Mike Phipp is historian of Bournemouth Airport and
Eric was Chief Engineer of Jet Heritage for much of its existence and
they tell the story of the pioneering days of military jet aircraft
restoration to flight in England. The story starts with Spencer Flack
in 1978 when, from Hawker Siddeley at Dunsfold, he bought and restored
a Danish Hunter with the help of Bob Cole and Eric Hayward. This, the
first restored jet ‘war bird’ in England was finished all red and
registered G-HUNT. The book then covers the trials and tribulations of
Spencer’s Hunter One organisation and its successor, Jet Heritage, the
aircraft restored and the larger-than-life characters who spent huge
amounts of money on their passion for flying them. This excellently
produced 160 page soft-back book is profusely illustrated with dozens
of monochrome photographs from the private collections of the people
involved. There is also a 32 page colour section and an appendix giving
full details of the fleets. Retailing at £19.99 Members can buy one
direct from Eric Hayward at £16 inclusive of post and packing. Call him
on 01202 875626 or write to Fairways, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 8BB.