This slim but dense volume (ISBN 978-0-9561951-1-1) by professional historian ,
well known as a Member and speaker to the Association, and published by
Blue Envoy Press in the new Project Tech Profiles series, is a tour de
force of technical-historical-political research. It is also
beautifully presented and profusely illustrated with black and white
and colour illustrations as well as many fascinating original g.a.
drawings, most never published before.
The account of the internal and external politics explains the lack of BAe funding, the long timescale and reasons for the many versions. Appendices list the main variants, show the models tested, look at other Kingston twin boom projects and summarise the main events.
This is the fascinating story of, as the author says, “the
last significant attempt at creating an indigenous fighter aircraft by
the UK.” Here is a ‘what might have been’ project of which ‘Hawkers’
can be proud. No ‘Hawker’ enthusiast should be without a copy. Mike
acknowledges the help given by many members of the Kingston design team
and dedicates the book to Garry Lockley’s memory. Buy it from
http://www.harrier.org.uk/P1216.htm for just £9.95.