Boeing B-47 Stratojet

London: Osprey Publishing Limited, 1987. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Trade paperback. Very good. 198 pages. Illustrations (some in color). Glossary. Specifications. Appendices. Index. Minor cover wear and soiling. This is one of the Osprey Air Combat series. The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engined, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union. Development of the B-47 can be traced back to a requirement expressed by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in 1943 for a reconnaissance bomber that harnessed newly developed jet propulsion. Another key innovation adopted during the development process was the swept wing, drawing upon captured German research. With its engines carried in nacelles underneath the wing, the B-47 represented a major innovation in post-World War II combat jet design. In April 1946, the USAAF ordered two prototypes, designated "XB-47"; on 17 December 1947, the first prototype performed its maiden flight. A formal contract for 10 B-47A bombers was signed on 3 September 1948. This would be followed by much larger contracts. During 1951, the B-47 entered operational service with the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command, becoming a mainstay of its bomber strength by the late 1950s. Over 2,000 were manufactured to meet the Air Force's demands. The B-47 was in service as a strategic bomber until 1965. The B-47 was also adapted to perform a number of other roles and functions. Osprey Publishing has been providing books for enthusiasts since 1968, since when it has grown, evolved and taken on new challenges until it stands today as one of the most successful examples of specialist publishing around. The company was founded by Berkshire Printing in order to publish a series of titles based on the work of leading aviation illustrator Dick Ward, whose artwork appeared on a range of collectable cards. This series was Aircam Aviation, and first book in the series - also the first Osprey title - was North American P-51D Mustang in USAAF-USAF Service, published in 1969. Aircam set the template for Osprey series to follow, with the books combining detailed and authoritative text with color and black & white artwork and photographs in a standard series format. . Philip Warner, a distinguished historian from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, was appointed series editor and Men-at-Arms came into being. The first title, Foot Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard, was published in 1971. 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