Javelin from the Cockpit: Britain's First Delta Wing Fighter

By: Peter Caygill

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Synopsis: An in-depth history of this RAF twin-engined interceptor, including firsthand accounts from those who flew it. The Gloster Javelin was designed to be a night/all-weather fighter. First introduced into RAF service in 1956 and retired in 1967, it was a large two-man, twin-engined and delta-winged aircraft. Although the Javelin was extremely rugged in construction, pilots were banned from spinning as test flights had proved it impossible to recover. During its service, nine different marks were introduced. At first it was armed with four wing-mounted cannon, but as technology advanced, air-to-air missiles replaced them. In its role as a night/all-weather fighter it bristled with Britain&’s latest radar and interception devices. This book includes development history, the different marks and their subtleties, radar and weapon capabilities, accidents and incidents—and many firsthand aircrew experiences of the type.