Vickers/BAC VC10 Manual: All models and variants (Haynes Manuals)

Superb book about this superb airliner!

Haynes' 2016 entries in their "Workshop Manual" series have been fairly solid. I'm starting to get the feeling they could hammer these things out in their sleep by now. I enjoyed their  De Havilland Comet manual  quite a bit, and was happy to see another "manual" on an iconic British jetliner. Keith Wilson takes a different tack from the established Haynes format; there aren't quite as many detailed technical diagrams or systems descriptions this time around, which was somewhat disappointing at first. Instead, there's plenty of excellent history, lots of superb photographs, and some excellent insights into the VC10 from those who were intimately familiar with it.Considering that only 54 VC10s were built, it's rather incredible the huge number of roles it served in the 51 years the aircraft were flying. The majority of the book focuses on their service with the RAF as in-flight refueling tankers. In the second half, we get lengthy sections written by a former VC10 pilot, flight engineer, and "sumpie" (propulsion systems mechanic). The chapter on flying the VC10 is particularly impressive, walking the reader through a typical refueling sortie, from pre-start to shutdown, with detailed checklists and control panel close-ups. Sgt Ollie Pallett discusses some of the "joys" of maintenance, including engine changing, defueling, and life on the line at RAF Brize Norton. Finally, John B Williamson describes some of the finer points of being a flight engineer, including his lengthy training, standard operating procedures, and the importance of crew co-ordination.There's a lot of "good stuff" here, including descriptions of all surviving VC10s, a production list which includes the fate of each aircraft, and fairly decent histories of the type's development, and civilian and military careers. There's even a chapter devoted to some of the unbuilt designs put forward by Vickers-Armstrong, including a double-decker passenger variant, and a long-range bomber armed with multiple Skybolt missiles! Unfortunately, the relatively small number of diagrams is a bit of a letdown. The included schematics are pretty decent, but none are anywhere near as detailed as Frank Munger's spectacular cutaway of the aircraft from 1962.Again, Haynes has delivered a solid work, with a few minor but somewhat irritating flaws. It's an excellent history, and a fairly detailed retrospective, but as a "workshop manual," it falls a little short in places. Still, if you're a fan of classic jetliners, or have an interest in how they worked, it's worth a look.

I only wish that Haynes (an otherwise reputable publisher) was honest about this being a book about the development, deployment and history of this airplane and not lie about it being a manual.

This book is very comprehensive and is the only one I know of that was written post-retirement of all VC-10 aircraft. It is clearly a labor of love for the author. There is a point of confusion concerning the K.4 series tankers: throughout the text they are described as two-point and three-point tanker versions. This must be a typo. The photos clearly show the three-point system and the text refers to the lack of main-deck fuel tanks, so that should settle the matter. Was the aircraft plumbed to dispense fuel through to the center HDU?

The most aesthetic airliner ever built. So graceful from any angle, and British built (like a tank). The VC10 holds a special place in my heart, since it's the first airplane I ever flew on (a BUA example, Gatwick to Palma). This book has many illustrations and photos that I haven't seen before, I I probably own every book ever written about this jet.

This book is formatted like other volumes in this series. In summation: it is well-illustrated, highly readable, and is a definite must for anyone interested in this elegant aircraft.

I always look forward to another of Keith Wilson's book on aircraft and this one on the VC 10 does not disappoint. It is another excellent book, well presented and laid out with interesting text and of course evocative photographs of all aspects of this aircraft. Although I remember the VC10, and even flew on one once it was not high up on my list of favourite aircraft. This book has revised my opinion however, I had not realised what a beautiful, technologically advanced and versatile aircraft it was. This book covers all the aspects of the aircraft that you would normally want to know. Its development, history, technical details and survivors. The text is lucid, informative and accessible with several eye-witness accounts of operating and maintaining the aircraft. I particularly enjoyed Chris Haywood's account of an AAR sortie which gave me a good 'feel' for what it was like in the flight cabin. As ever, however, the book demonstrates the short sightedness of HM government when dealing with aircraft development. So much was possible, so much was squandered! The pictures are well chosen and well complement the text. Also of special interest for me was the extensive use that was made by the RAF in several major roles and Operations that extended from personnel carrier, through air to air refuelling to atmosphere sampling. I was also surprised to learn of the plans to use some VC 10s as air launched ballistic missile carriers. Had events been different the VC 10 would have been part of the nuclear deterrent! Overall as Keith Wilson ably describes, the RAF was very well served by this very successful and versatile aircraft. This book is a worthy homage to a lovely aircraft that acquitted itself very well in both civil and military roles and is well worthacquiring.

Great VC10 book that sits well with the two other great VC10 books, Scott Henderson's Silent, Swift, Superb and Lance Coles' Vickers VC10. Keith has found the areas not covered in the other two. The RAF aspect is hardly surprising as the VC10 spent more than half the VC10's life span flying in the RAF with four different types . Its well researched and written as you would expected from Keith. Pictures are great, quite a lot I haven't seen before. I can recommend this book , well worth the wait and the price.Still doesn't tell me how to change a PSU light bulb though!

I have been a fan of the VC10, in its military guise, ever since the RAF took an interest in it as a possible 'Multi-role' platform. However I have learnt a lot from this manual as to how important the VC10 was for the long-term defence of the UK and I am even more thankful that so many air-frames are being preserved for future generations to enjoy. A very readable history of what is still a very iconic aircraft. Another gem from Keith Wilson.

Another excellent publication from Keith and Haynes. A thorough and well illustrated book that does wonders to record both the history of the VC10 and expose the work done by preservation groups around the country who work tirelessly to preserve and maintain examples of british heritage such as the VC10

My husband loves these books.. Informative and interesting.. The book is in a good condition. No problems with delivery..