Best-selling author of techno-thrillers whose 1977 blockbuster was made into a film
Craig Thomas, who has died from pneumonia aged 68, was at the forefront of the spy/adventure genre known as the techno-thriller, novels in which technology – usually cutting-edge military hardware extrapolated from current technological advances – is central to the plot. Thomas's 1977 novel Firefox featured the fictional MiG-31, an aircraft so advanced that it would immediately give the Russians the upper hand.
At the time, the Russians had the MiG-25 Foxbat, the fastest reconnaissance bomber and interceptor in the air, with a top speed of Mach 2.8. Thomas's Firefox could achieve speeds of Mach 5, had stealth technology which made it invisible to radar and a guided missile system controlled by the pilot by thought alone. Realising the implications to security in the west, his British spymaster Kenneth Aubrey suggests an audacious plan to steal one of the two prototype aircraft.
Firefox...
Craig Thomas, who has died from pneumonia aged 68, was at the forefront of the spy/adventure genre known as the techno-thriller, novels in which technology – usually cutting-edge military hardware extrapolated from current technological advances – is central to the plot. Thomas's 1977 novel Firefox featured the fictional MiG-31, an aircraft so advanced that it would immediately give the Russians the upper hand.
At the time, the Russians had the MiG-25 Foxbat, the fastest reconnaissance bomber and interceptor in the air, with a top speed of Mach 2.8. Thomas's Firefox could achieve speeds of Mach 5, had stealth technology which made it invisible to radar and a guided missile system controlled by the pilot by thought alone. Realising the implications to security in the west, his British spymaster Kenneth Aubrey suggests an audacious plan to steal one of the two prototype aircraft.
Firefox...
- 4/13/2011
- by Steve Holland
- The Guardian - Film News
Firefox Author Thomas Dies
The author who wrote the book behind Clint Eastwood's 1982 thriller Firefox has died from pneumonia at the age of 68.
Welsh writer Craig Thomas, who had also been battling leukaemia, passed away in Somerset, England on Monday.
He enjoyed a career spanning 30 years and established himself as one of the most prominent talents in the spy thriller genre.
Thomas' 1977 novel Firefox became a Hollywood blockbuster in 1982 when Eastwood adapted it for the big screen, directing, producing and starring as U.S. fighter pilot and spy Mitchell Gant.
His other works include 1980s releases Snow Falcon, Jade Tiger and Winter Hawk.
He is survived by his wife Jill.
Welsh writer Craig Thomas, who had also been battling leukaemia, passed away in Somerset, England on Monday.
He enjoyed a career spanning 30 years and established himself as one of the most prominent talents in the spy thriller genre.
Thomas' 1977 novel Firefox became a Hollywood blockbuster in 1982 when Eastwood adapted it for the big screen, directing, producing and starring as U.S. fighter pilot and spy Mitchell Gant.
His other works include 1980s releases Snow Falcon, Jade Tiger and Winter Hawk.
He is survived by his wife Jill.
- 4/8/2011
- WENN
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