Every once in a while, a book comes along that lifts the bar and redefines the standard of aviation research and storytelling.

Fighting To Be Heard is just such a book in the same way the late John Wegg's 576-page Caravelle book redefined the art back in 2005.

The British Aerospace 146 was truly the beginning of the “RJ” (aka Regional Jet), which has become commonplace in air travel today. Although the BAe 146 was ahead of its time, the program, the company, and the aircraft were plagued with many challenges.

As a result, the BAe 146 became the last commercial aircraft to be built in the United Kingdom. The title signifies the uphill battle British Aerospace faced in trying to convince airlines to buy and operate the world's quietest jet.

The author, Brian Wiklem spent over four years researching and interviewing a wide range of people involved with the BAe 146, including airlines and operators that flew this unique aircraft.

The G-Luxe Special Edition comes in a sturdy box with a CD and USB with a wealth of videos, photos, and marketing brochures that round off what is the most magnificent book ever written about an aircraft.

But it is more than that it is about the hopes and dreams of British aviation - the last gasp of a once incredibly proud aircraft industry that pioneered so many innovations in commercial aviation.

And so it is with the BAe146 - being super quiet it blazed a trail for the environment and it was decades ahead of its time.

Fighting to be Heard is the definitive history of the British Aerospace BAe 146 a subject very close to the author's heart. Mr Wiklem tells the intimate behind-the-scenes story of the unlikely 4-engine jet and the airlines it served. His passion for the subject is unmatched, this book is truly must have for any commercial aviation enthusiast.

It is just a brilliant piece of work and one is amazed at the effort that has gone into producing it.

The standard version costs US$80 and can be ordered by clicking this link.

You get:

• Hardcover, large format book measuring approximately 12 x 11 inches
• 500 pages on high-quality paper (157gsm), weighing nearly 12 pounds (6kg) by itself
• Over 700 images and photographs, most in colour
• 20 chapters with over 100,000 words telling the complete story

The G-Luxe Special Edition costs US$146 and can be ordered by clicking this link.

You get:

• Fighting to be Heard: Standard Edition
• 32GB 146 branded light-up USB Drive with over 400 brochures, press releases, marketing pieces, artwork, newsletters and more!
• Blu-Ray features nearly 7 hours of video content.
• Aircraft plate
• Storage case
• Free domestic U.S. shipping