Produced with the full support and co-operation of the Royal Air Force and British Aerospace. BATTLE FOR THE SKIES is the two-volume definitive history of the R.A.F., from the early days of the Air Battalion and the Royal Flying Corps right up to its front line role today. One of the most detailed and visually compelling aviation series ever made, BATTLE FOR THE SKIES includes the pick of historic archive footage from around the world – much of it previously unreleased – as well as exclusive interviews with R.A.F. aircrew and newly filmed combat sequences featuring classic R.A.F. aircraft of all eras with stunning close up air-to-air photography and in-cockpit cameras. While the fighter and bomber squadrons of the Royal Air Force may get all the glory, the R.A.F. has always performed may other, equally vital roles – and performed them with the highest professionalism. The R.A.F. has, for example, always maintained a strong maritime capability. This proved vital during World War Two, when Coastal Command utilized a wide range of aircraft for both offensive and defensive roles. Equally, the R.A.F. has always excelled in transporting essential personnel and provisions swiftly and safely to the farthest reaches of the globe. While exploring the service’s multi-role capabilities, THE SKY’S THE LIMIT also looks at the R.A.F. of the 21st century – its aircraft, training and future combat requirements. Along with much exclusive and previously unseen footage, highlights include especially shot sequences with a Catalina Flying Boat, a vintage Lysander and coverage of the R.A.F. at war in the Falklands, the Gulf and Bosnia. This volume also features a definitive and totally unique A-Z film record of major aircraft types flown by the Royal Air Force from its inception to today. Much of the footage used is exceptionally rare and in many cases has never been made available to the public before.