Afterburner Book Reviews V2 – THE A4 ROCKET

From Peenemunde to advanced weapons but it was not until 22 April 1943 that the first aerial images of the Peenemunde facility Redstone – Design – emerged, quite by accident. The connection of the Development – Operations two intelligence reports and the importance of the capability the facility was developing, is described in M R Barber well-researched detail, as are the frequent clashes Jones had with Duncan Sandys, who was the chairman Crecy Publishing, 1a Ringway Trading Estate, of a War Cabinet Committee for defence against Shawdowmoss Road, Manchester M22 5LH, UK. 2017. German flying bombs and rockets. 296pp. Illustrated. £50. ISBN 978-1-90653753 Eventually, on 17 August 1943, Operation Hydra There are many books that cover the historical aspects mission was flown against Peenemunde; the author of the Retaliation Weapons V1 and V2 of WW2. This gives accounts from a number of perspectives: book concentrates on the A4 rocket and its design, intelligence; bomber crews; German scientists and development and operations. But it does not stop engineers, their families; the slave labour. The author there. also covers the preparations the UK Government This large book runs to almost 300 pages of and Allied forces made for the eventual attacks. He high-quality paper, print, photographs, maps, artwork describes the consequential cost incurred by just the and drawings, all supporting the articulate and clear threat of unpredictable, undetectable mass destruction account of events between 1930 to 1946, relating to on Greater London. the military capability requirement that the V2 and its The eventual V2 campaign on the Allied forces in The third Operation Backfire ‘rocket soldiers’ were designed to fulfil. The careers of Europe and the attacks on London and Antwerp make V2 shortly after launch from the key personnel influencing and responsible for the compelling reading. The tightening stranglehold that Cuxhaven on its way to a V2 are covered, including aspects of their professional advancing Allied forces placed on the Germans, by landing in the North Sea, 15 relationships. An angle not often brought together denying the fixed launch sites in France, leads to the October 1945. RAeS (NAL). with the development of the A4, covered in fascinating multiplication of mobile launch sites, predominantly in detail, is the effect that the new capability had on Allied The Netherlands and in Germany, which proved almost forces and the populations of London and Antwerp. impossible to attack. An interesting account from The book begins with the history of German Raymond Baxter OBE HonCRAeS, Spitfire fighter- rocket development, introducing many individuals and bomber pilot at the time, is incredible, which includes describes the factors that led to their involvement. The the only airborne engagement of a V2 by Allied linchpin was Walter Dornberger who, in 1930, received airpower. The last civilian death due to enemy action on a brief ‘to develop militarily usable projectiles out of UK soil during WW2 was by a V2. solid rockets’ and to ‘design and build a first sample As you would expect, the author deals with the end of liquid fuel rocket to be of military use, replacing the of WW2 and the urgency on one hand of the scientists heavy longest range artillery’ that is, to replace the to rejoin their families and avoid internment, to the large railway-mounted guns used to attack Paris in other of the Allies scrambling for technology and key WW1. These vague briefs led to the establishment of personnel of the V2 programme to feed indigenous the secret rocket test facility at Peenemunde.This part missile capabilities. It is here the author exposes very of the book describes how the early life of Wernher von high-level communications that the German scientists, Braun drew him to rocketry and the fateful decision he despite their political leanings, should be welcomed took to join the military. That decision and its effect are to the West. All books must come to an end and it is commented on at various points thereafter. here the author gives brief mention of the fate of the The book continues with the design and scientists beyond 1946 and of the military and civilian construction of the Peenemunde site, started in April programmes that progressed from the end of the war. This book 1936. The quality of the sketches and original artist’s Werner von Braun’s career is covered beyond the A4 is a must for impressions of the site are second to none and give rocket through to his involvement with NASA. the historian, a real feel for the establishment being a community This book is a must for the historian, researcher, engaged in cutting-edge and exciting research. The military engineer, hobbyist, even astronomer – who researcher, author also refers to the 200 concentration camp require access to what seems to be a complete picture military prisoners forced to work at the facility. The technical of the development of the V2, the people, the human engineer, anatomy of the rocket and the logistical ‘tail’ are cost and the contribution to science that the period comprehensively laid out in great detail, perhaps not and the project represents. It is well written, accurate, hobbyist, even seen collected together in any other book. In my interesting and contains some fascinating details. Some astronomer opinion, these sections can be considered as reference books of equal weight I have only dipped into; this one material for any researcher of the V2’s history. seemed to delight when going from cover to cover. In 1939 a British intelligence officer R V Jones was handed what became to be known as the ‘Oslo Tim Marshall Report’ which hinted at German development of CEng FRAeS

48 AEROSPACE / JUNE 2019 AIRPOWER APPLIED US, NATO and Israeli Combat Experience Edited by J A Olsen

Naval Institute Press, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402, USA. 2017. Distributed by Eurospan Group, 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8LU, UK. 413pp. £47.50. ISBN 978-1-68247-075-6.

In the year of the 71st anniversary of the last ‘combat kill’ by a Royal Air Force fighter pilot against the Queen’s enemy in a Royal Air Force fighter, this rewarding and stimulating book is timely. It covers a series of examples of the use of air power from Pearl Harbor to Israeli operations in 2014. Yet, while the Royal Air Force’s Tornado Force has been on operations for 30 years with useful contributions by Jaguar and Harrier Force squadrons, there is scant reference to the Royal Air Force. Above: A US Marine Corps Should that be a problem for the British reader? AV-8B Harrier II refuels over Not at all. This is a well written factual account Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, on 31 of modern airpower with some excellent analysis December 2015. OIR is the by historians and former practitioners. Most coalition intervention against importantly, it is edited by Norway’s leading airpower the Islamic State of Iraq and exponent and academic, Colonel Professor Dr John the Levant. USAF. Right: An Israeli Air Force Andreas Olsen, currently the Defence Attaché of F-15I (Ra’am) from the the Kingdom of Norway in London. His books are IDF/AF No 69 Hammers required reading for air power students in the US Squadron. USAF. and The Netherlands, as well as Britain and Norway. The five chapters cover the following themes: America as an airpower nation; American and NATO Airpower Applied; Modelling Airpower: the Arab-Israeli Wars; The Israeli Air Force (IAF) and Asymmetric Conflicts and The Airpower Professional. It is Chapter 4 on the asymmetrical problems which Israel has faced since 1982 which intrigues the reviewer because of the excellent contextual writing of Raphael Rudnik and Ephraim Segoli which clearly identifies the dilemma faced by a In the year state operating against non-state actors. It takes the First Lebanon War as its point of departure of the 71st when the IAF was able to profit from the lessons anniversary learned in 1973 but also from new technology, of the last such as unmanned aerial vehicles. There are some interesting conclusions drawn about strategic ‘combat kill’ versus tactical effect and the need for planning by a Royal Air is emphasised; apparently, the IAF is not as rigid Force fighter in its operational planning as others. Perhaps this pilot against the force’s operational reach and power.” That chimes flexibility is the secret to some of its successes? nicely with our own perceptions, even taking into The figures quoted for operational sorties and Queen’s enemy consideration nuclear capability. This book has been the number of precision weapons used in just in a Royal Air included in this year’s reading list approved by the one operation are staggering to a reader used to Force fighter, Chief of the Air Staff. financially-limited strike rates. this rewarding After the centennial year of the Royal Air Force, Colonel Paul Beaver it is good to read that the authors believe the IAF to and stimulating FRAeS VR be Israel’s “primary strategic arm because of the air book is timely Honorary Group Captain No 601 Squadron RAuxAF

Find us on Twitter i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com JUNE 2019 49 Afterburner Book Reviews AVIATION PSYCHOLOGY AND HUMAN FACTORS Second edition By M Martinussen and D R Hunter

CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL, 33487-2742, USA. 2017. Distributed by Taylor & Francis Group, 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Two pilots on a simulator Abingdon OX14 4RN, UK. 347pp. £92. [20% flight deck. British Airways. discount available to RAeS members via www. crcpress.com using AKQ07 promotion code]. ISBN would serve both groups, given the remit of the 978-1-4987-5752-2. book. The ordering of domains and topics in such a This academic textbook provides a detailed overview book is tricky due to the interlinked nature of many of the main fields of aviation psychology and human areas; as one example I would be inclined to place factors, with chapters on aviation physiology, abilities the decision-making content earlier but overall the and personality, personnel selection, training, structure seems fitting. I suspect that this is the type systems design, stress and human reactions, culture, of book many readers will dip in and out of, focusing organisations and leadership, decision making, and on topics of interest or relevance to them at a safety. The authors do set themselves a challenging specific time rather than a cover-to-cover read. task to cover the breadth of all the areas identified The book is written in an academic manner and in adequate depth for such a book. Overall, I feel this retains an engaging and readable style throughout. is achieved well with appropriate coverage of many Summary sections in each chapter pull the key of the key areas alongside supporting evidence. messages together and supplementary activities Of course, there will always be more that could be assist the reader in making the content relevant included in a book of this nature given that many of to their role or context. Material is well-referenced, the topics could fill their own book but the book will allowing the reader to explore the ideas and give an interested reader enough to introduce them studies cited in greater depth and there is useful to the area and key issues, as well as encourage recommended reading for further engagement. them to seek out additional material. As the authors note, most of the principles In this second edition significant changes covered apply equally to other aviation professionals include an additional chapter covering some (eg air traffic controllers, cabin crew, engineers and aspects of aviation physiology and a chapter on technicians) and the material is broadened to other abilities and personality, alongside substantial roles in places, including the selection of air traffic expansion of the material on aeronautical decision controllers and passenger linked issues. Potentially making. Other material has been updated where further material, such as short case studies or applicable to include up-to-date research findings discussion points from other roles within aviation, and consideration of some contemporary issues. As may assist in highlighting the applicability of the expected in a book of this scope, some topics are field to other roles and operations. covered in more depth than others which may be the In terms of the intended audience, pilots are result of the experience or interests of the authors. outlined as the primary targeted group but also I would suggest further discussion of human those formally studying applied psychology and information processing and also error are likely to human factors within aviation. In my view the be of benefit to readers. Additional coverage of non- coverage and depth of discussion of many topics technical skills, including communication, groups makes the book more suited to students with or and teams, would also enhance the existing content. Overall, this is without aviation industry experience as the primary A chapter on research methods and statistics a very good audience. is included to put the research cited into context introductory Overall, this is a very good introductory text and to assist the reader in appraising the studies. text to the field to the field and one I would recommend to those Considering the intended audience, professionals engaging in academic studies in the field or who may find this chapter too detailed, whereas those and one I would want a starting point to explore human factors studying would need more (the book does not claim recommend to research across a range of areas. to cover all in terms of methods and analysis). I like those engaging the novel idea of a technical book presenting a in academic Rebecca L Grant research evaluation framework, however, I wonder if Human Systems Integration Group, Faculty of a more focused section conveying key messages on studies in the Engineering, Environment and Computing research and evaluating studies and their findings field Coventry University

50 AEROSPACE / JUNE 2019 GLOBAL MEGATRENDS AND AVIATION The Path To Future-Wise The secondary purpose of the book is an attempt to provide industry leaders and executives Organizations with a practical approach to the understanding and By P Coutu et al importance of the trends recognised. Providing a set of practical tools that can assist organisations to be Aviation Strategies International, 440 René-Levesque better prepared, Global Megatrends and Aviation is also Blvd West, Suite 1202, Montréal (Québec) Canada an attempt to shed light on what the authors believe H2Z 1V7 (https://asi-institute.aero/megatrends). to be real issues, those that aviation needs to face 2019. 492pp. $165 ($90 RAeS members). ISBN together and prioritise. 978-1- 999007720. This is not a book that you read from cover to Whether seen through North American, European or cover and neither is it a reference book. Those that Asian eyes, Global Megatrends and Aviation is a wake- read this well-researched book will do so because up call, warning to the next generation of aviation they recognise the need to. Global Megatrends and industry leaders that they are less well prepared for Aviation is a worthy and very necessary attempt to the future than they probably think that they are. inform, explain, open internal debate and to use when Global megatrends will increasingly shape all of formulating long-term strategy. It is there to provide our lives and the economies in which we live and we leaders in the aviation industry with an understanding ignore them at our peril. This is then an important of relevant issues that may not always be widely book, one that not only recognises megatrends that discussed. will most likely impact on the aviation industry over While encouraging the reader to think outside the next 20 years and that emphasises the need of all the box, it is not intended to be a blueprint for action. those involved in leading the aviation industry forward Importantly, it draws a crucial range of issues that the to prepare but also one that attempts to lay out what aviation industry, across all its various forms, will need the authors believe to be the priorities. Drought land dry mud at to embrace. Led by Pierre Coutu and nine co-authors, the Bou Hanifia, Algeria. Climate As a collection of relevant views there will, of change is one of six specific course, be those that disagree with some of the main objective of this book is an attempt to define and megatrends identified in the describe what the authors describe as being the six book. Hydrosami. conclusions. For instance, one may argue that the principal global megatrends likely to relate to aviation global economic power shift from west to east may over the next couple of decades and beyond. They already have gone as far as it is going. Sociological do so without imparting any form of arrogance, fully trend expectations are well discussed, as are impacts recognising that predicting the future is always fraught from population growth. Less so is Africa and the with difficulty and opposite views. expectation of where the potentially largest growth area Defining ‘global megatrends’ as being an for aviation may go from here over the next 20 years. important shift in the progress of a society or of any As an attempt to draw out wisdom and knowledge other particular field of activity, any major movement, from a collaboration of different minds that can allow a global transformative force changing the entire aviation organisations and those that lead them to be world, the primary purpose of this fascinating book informed and to discuss, this book is a must read for is to emphasise six specific megatrends – climate those that will need to decide future aviation related change, the global economic shift from West to strategy. East, increasing urbanisation, demographic changes, Making a valid point that most leaders and technological innovation and global connectedness. executives in volved in the aviation industry tend to be Moreover, it seeks to remind the reader that so preoccupied with what is going on in the current megatrends affect everything within an organisation, year that they just do not take time to look at what is including labour, assets, infrastructure. systems and Global coming straight at them, even in the near-future, the processes, organisational structure and political megatrends will book is non-judgemental on any one particular aspect stability. increasingly of the aviation industry. While cautious in the use of history to make shape all of our In respect of information provided, illustration its argument, we are reminded that, as a potential and detailed analysis, the reader will not find this megatrend, climate change was first recognised in the lives and the book wanting in any way. Informative it is and citing 1970s when the Stockholm Convention recognised economies in examples of what can go wrong if projects are that “humanity is both the creator and moulder of its which we live not properly planned, it seeks to remind us of the environment and that a stage has been reached on and we ignore importance of learning from past mistakes. this planet where humanity has acquired the power to transform its environment in countless ways and on an them at our Howard Wheeldon unprecedented scale.” peril FRAeS An expert forum to investigate, Global Megatrends and Aviation 14-15 November 2019, Royal Aeronautical Society, London

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