AIRCRAFT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE

Whether it is a Mirage F1 leaving graceful vapour trails across South Africa's skies, a sturdy Avro - Shackleton storm - buffeted above grey waves on a maritime patrol, or a camouflaged Puma slamming itself down in a cloud of dust somewhere in the operational area, the planes of the South African Air Force and the men who fly them are rated the best in Africa.

With that sort of reputation, it is no wonder that the S.A.A.F. has been the subject of intense interest by air enthusiasts the world over, but now for the first time the whole story has been put between the covers of a book. ( ... ) For aircraft spotters and the more technically minded, there are silhouette drawings and fact - sheets detailing engines, sizes, ranges, armaments, general capability, camouflage and markings.

Nor has the S.A.A.F.'s proud past been neglected ; a history of the S.A.A.F. from the wooden prop biplane days just after the First World War to its sophisticated present - day punch rounds out a volume that will warm the pride of every pilot, be he airborne or an armchair dreamer.