Scotish Aviation Pioneers - Scotland's Stol Specialists BOOK

Written by arguably the leading expert on these two types, Scottish Aviation Pioneers chronicles the development, production, and military and civil use of both types of aircraft. Best known for their impressive short take-off and landing capabilities and their docile handling qualities which enabled them to operate in some of the most challenging locations throughout the world. The single engine Pioneer was capable of operating into very short, rough airstrips and was cheaper to fly than helicopters which, at that time, were limited in payload and not always reliable in tough environments. The Twin Pioneer also had a very good STOL capability, but would have benefitted from more powerful,preferably turboprop, engines had they been available at that time. The aircraft were most successful in military operations in the Far East, the Middle East and Africa. These demanded a rugged, reliable aircraft that was relatively simple to fly and maintain. Whether in hot and humid conditions in the jungles and mountains of Malaysia and Borneo, or the sandy desert strips of Aden and Oman, or the hot and high conditions of Kenya, the aircraft performed admirably and provided vital services to the ground forces they supported.