Smith, Mark The Gloster Javelin 1951 to 1975. Air Craft History Volume 5

Gloster's Javelin eventually replaced the RAF's Meteor, Vampire and Venom nightfighters. Like the Meteor, it was designed and built in such a way that permitted later modifications to the basic airframe to be made relatively easily. The airfram was not densely packed, in comparison to single-seaters, with room to accommodate additional equipment. Later, unbuilt Javelin fighter marks were schemed with engines other than the Sapphire, thinner wings and extended area ruled fuselages, allowing supersonic speed. Wings with larger span and area were schemed, for dedicated high-altitude reconnaissance versions.
Initial versions relied on four 30mm cannon, to down their intended high-flying bomber targets, with later versions incorporating guided missiles. Although the last Javelin looked very similar to the first prototype, numerous changes were made to the nose, rear fuselage, wings and the internal structure, with many Javelins capable of being refuelled in flight. Javelins were based in the UK, West GErmany and the Far East, with the last aircraft being retired in 1975.

This is the fifth volume in the Air Craft Histories series,and-unlike the earlier volumes-covers just one aircraft which saw service with the Royal Air Force in the 1950s and 60s
The inspiration and main reference sources for this volume are the two main books on the Javelin and the three book Cold War Shield series all written and published by Roger Lindsay.