Topped Gun – Requiem for the Skyhawk | Ross Ewing | First Edition 2002 | Signed by Author [USED – HCDJ – Good]

Ross Ewing's account of the Douglas A-4K Skyhawk — the jet fighter that served as the backbone of the Royal New Zealand Air Force's air combat force for over 30 years, from its introduction in the late 1960s until the abrupt disbandment of the RNZAF air combat force by the New Zealand government in 2001.

Ewing was one of the first RNZAF pilots trained on the A-4K, sent to the United States to train with the US Navy before the Skyhawks arrived in New Zealand — making this a first-hand insider account rather than a retrospective history.

The book covers the decision to acquire the Skyhawks, the establishment of No. 75 Squadron as the primary Skyhawk unit and training base, the impact of New Zealand's ANZUS rift in the mid-1980s (which led to No. 2 Squadron's Skyhawks being deployed to HMAS Nowra in New South Wales for anti-shipping training), the Project Kahu upgrade programme, and the final disbandment.

Appendices include full aircraft specifications and a complete list of all pilots who flew the New Zealand Skyhawks — making it an essential reference for anyone who served on the type.

At 152 pages with colour and black and white illustrations throughout, this is a scarce title — the first edition of a book produced in modest numbers for a specialist audience, signed by the author.

CONDITION

Used, good condition. Contact us on 03 6381 1545 for additional photos and condition detail before purchasing.

BOOK DETAILS

• Hardcover with dust jacket.
• 152 pages.
• Colour and black & white illustrations.
• Appendices including pilot list.
• First edition, published 2002. Signed by the author.

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