The book reviews some of the technological, political and financial influences which shaped the air defences of the United Kingdom during the early years of the Cold War. It is in hardback cover and includes 204 pages (128 x 296 mm) with 40 pictures and over 25 diagrams. The book is priced at £25.00 from all good bookshops.

It covers a period of history of the Control and Reporting System of the Royal Air Force when the requirement was changing; firstly to face the threats of the early years of the Cold War (Rotor Plan) and then the realization of the need for a more advanced system for the control of ground-to-air missiles and for the control of supersonic fighter aircraft against supersonic targets (Plan Ahead). The Joint Intelligence Committee considered that nuclear ballistic missiles may become a major threat from about 1963. The government decided that the large sums required in Plan Ahead and the accompanying weapons programme would not be justified when nuclear missiles became a major threat to the country.

Nevertheless, we would have to guard against airborne reconnaissamce and intense electronic jamming, carried out with a view to neutralizing our detection systems and means of offensive reaction. The government realized that the future requirements for radar cover for air defence and air traffic control were similar. Additionally, both services were moving towards greater efficiency and effectiveness through the use of automation. A joint system of air defence and air traffic control was therefore examined in depth and resulted in the combined system under the names Linesman (Defence) and Mediator (Air Traffic Control).