Attacker

The first jet aircraft to enter front-line service with the Royal Navy and the first to be deployed in squadron strength from a carrier deck, the Supermarine Attacker is assured of a place in British aviation history. This new volume describes and illustrates the aircraft from the point of view of the pilots whose task it was to usher in the revolutionary new fighter, and tells the story of its career in fascinating detail, correcting as it does so misconceptions concerning its introduction, operation and deployment. A completely new ‘rule book’ had to be written, too, and Attacker relates in depth the changes in tactics and carrier compatibility that were demanded on its entry into service. The whole makes for the most authoritative volume yet published on this important aircraft, and one that will be widely welcomed by historians and enthusiasts.

Commander Graeme Rowan-Thomson, hugely experienced in the handling of naval jet fighters, flew Attackers during tours of duty with both 890 and 800 Squadrons and was also a member of the Attacker aerobatic team at Ford. He went on in later years to command 807 (Scimitar) Squadron.