The challenge to replace the Spitfire and Hurricane: Supermarine twin fighters
When the time came to replace both the Hurricane and Spitfire, the Air Ministry had a very hard act to follow...
Vulcan and Victor - their mini delta precursors
Tony Buttler examines the scale test-beds that preceded the Victor and the Vulcan – and V-bombers that might have been
Saluting TSR.2 - The Dream That Died
Mired in controversy to this day, the only thing certain about BAC’s fabled TSR.2 is that it never fulfilled its potential. Tony Buttler looks back at the ambitious project’s troubled past
Playing it cool: why were annular radiators tested on the Typhoon and Tempest?
In trying to improve cooling on its liquid-cooled Sabre engine, Napier felt a different concept could work wonders
VTOL pioneer: how the Short SC1 helped pave the way to the Harrier
Aeroplane’s Database focuses on the Short Brothers research aircraft that achieved a world first
The ultimate Spitfire? Supermarine Spiteful and Seafang examined
Were these two Spitfire developments a step too far? In this month’s Aeroplane Database, Tony Buttler investigates
Nord Gerfaut: France's daring delta-wing research aircraft
Tony Buttler reveals the outcome of one French company’s daring attempt to break into the world of delta-winged jet aircraft – Nord-Aviation’s Gerfaut
Vixen Versus Javelin
The de Havilland Vixen might have been the RAF’s primary night fighter from the mid-1950s, rather than the Gloster Javelin, but 1952 would prove critical for the DH110
The Payen Pa 49
There’s niche, and then there’s niche. A very small — quite charming — and low-powered jet, intended as a delta-winged trainer. Is it any surprise that the Payen Pa 49 remained a one-off?