Description

This is the latest title in the Firestreak Books’ “Manual” series. Originally planned as a single volume the author decided that only a two volume book could do the mighty British Phantom justice. Volume One focuses on the history of the UK Phantom in both the Royal Navy service and Royal Air Force whilst Volume Two will focus on how the Phantom worked and a detailed look at the weapons it carried. Often referred to as the “Spey” Phantom the British aircraft were unique in shape and indeed handling – like no other Phantoms they were a breed apart. Serving initially with the Fleet Air Arm they made their mark early on by winning the Transatlantic air race. Despite the short service of the Royal Navy’s Phantoms the colourful markings of 767 squadron and 892 squadron ensured that the carrier Phantoms were amongst the most loved by enthusiasts.

The F-4 manual gives readers a unique insight on the British Phantom with unrivalled access to the aircraft. The author served in the RAF from 1979-1997 during which time he was closely associated with the F-4 Phantom. An initial tour as a back-seater on 19(F) squadron at RAF Wildenrath saw the author amass some 800 hours on the F-4M version. In the high adrenalin, low level air defence role his images capture the cold war era in all its forms in the air and on the ground. Having enrolled to become a pilot, the author flew the English Electric Lightning and Tornado F3 in the air defence role. Often encountering Phantoms and always armed with a Nikon the images inside the book capture the Phantom in all its glory.