RAF Aircraft Navigation, Instruments and Avionics in Service
How RAF aircraft navigated and fought, from compass and dead reckoning to Gee, Oboe and H2S, airborne radar, and the integrated avionics of the Tornado and Typhoon.
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Heavy Losses over Sedan Expose RAF Vulnerability in 1940
On this day in 1940, RAF attacks on the German breakthrough at Sedan suffered severe losses, exposing the dangers of daylight bombing in the Battle of France.
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Independent Air Force Announced Under Hugh Trenchard
On this day in 1918, Britain announced the Independent Air Force under Hugh Trenchard, an early step towards strategic bombing doctrine.
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Reinforcing Malta by Air: RAF Fighters and Survival
How the RAF flew fighters into besieged Malta from aircraft carriers, from twelve Hurricanes off HMS Argus in 1940 to the Spitfires of Operations Calendar and Bowery in 1942.
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First Success for Fido in the Battle of the Atlantic
On this day in 1943, a Liberator of 86 Squadron crippled U-456 with Fido, proving the value of the new acoustic homing torpedo.
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28 Squadron Deploys Spitfires to Strengthen Hong Kong
On this day in 1949, 28 Squadron deployed Spitfires from Malaya to Hong Kong to strengthen the colony’s air defences amid regional uncertainty.
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The RAF’s First Deliberate Raid on Germany Begins Over Rhine
On this day in 1940, Whitleys of 77 Squadron and 102 Squadron carried out what is often described as the RAF’s first deliberate raid on Germany.
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Operation Oppidan and Operation Hansford Deliver Fighters to Malta
On this day in 1942, Operations Oppidan and Hansford delivered Spitfires to Malta, strengthening the island’s RAF fighter defences.
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RAF Area Redesignations Help Shape the New Service
On this day in 1918, the RAF redesignated its home Air Force Areas by region, helping give the newly created service a clearer command structure.
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RAF Aircraft Fuel Systems, Range and Operational Endurance
How fuel shaped RAF range and endurance, from self-sealing tanks and drop tanks to 214 Squadron’s Valiant tankers in 1958, the Victors of Black Buck and today’s Voyager.
