TOPPED GUN

The history of the McDonnell-Douglas A-4K Skyhawk in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Ross Ewing

In the late 1960’s, Skyhawks were at the bottom of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s ‘wish list’ but by 1970 had risen to become the aircraft of choice. Ten more Skyhawks, from the Royal Australian Navy soon followed and an innovative refurbishment and upgrading of all the aircraft began. Later, however, Skyhawk operations were affected by government policies which culminated in the unexpected dismemberment of the entire New Zealand air combat force.

Ross Ewing was amongst the first group of RNZAF pilots to train on the Skyhawk and Topped Gun covers their 30 year history. His non-technical style and detailed pictures make Topped Gun suitable for both the military aircraft enthusiast and interested amateur.


152 pages, hardback 240mm x 258mm
Over 200 colour photographs