An authoritative design history of postwar British warship development, based on both declassified documentation and personal experience. In this fourth and final volume in his bestselling series on Royal Navy warship development, David K Brown tackles the period in which he himself worked as a Naval Constructor. However, for this book his personal knowledge and experience is augmented by George Moore's in-depth archival research on the substantial body of material declassified in recent years. Although the fleet was enormous in 1945, much was old and worn-out, while Britain faced economic austerity and a reduced world role. At the same time new threats and novel technologies rendered even the newer ships obsolescent. How British designers responded to these unprecedented challenges is one of the central themes of the book. After considering the wartime legacy, the book moves on to cover some of the ambitious ideas for replacement or conversion of the bigger ships, most of which were stifled by lack of funds. But most of the book is devoted to new construction, with chapters on all the major categories from aircraft carriers, through destroyers and frigates, to submarines (including nuclear and strategic), minesweepers and small craft. Each contains new information on unbuilt designs, and identifies many innovations, and analyses the impact of the Falklands War. David K Brown had an eminent career as a warship designer with the Royal Corps of naval Constructors. He has published widely on historical and professional topics and his books include Warrior to Dreadnought, The Grand Fleet, and Nelson To Vanguard. George Moore devotes his time to naval research and has completed a major study of wartime naval building programmes. SELLING POINTS: ? Last volume of a successful and highly-praised series that began with From Warrior to Dreadnought ? The only design history of modern British warships with 'inside' information and insight ? New drawings of never-before-seen abortive designs
